A Rogue by Any Other Name

A Rogue by Any Other Name launches the Rules of Scoundrels series, following Michael Lawler, Marquess of Bourne, who lost his inheritance in a card game at age 21. Now a successful gaming hell owner, he orchestrates a marriage to Lady Penelope Marbury, his childhood friend, to reclaim his family's land. Lady Penelope finds herself entangled with the man she once knew, now hardened by years of revenge and ambition. Their arranged marriage transforms into a complex dance of power, desire, and redemption against the backdrop of London's gambling underworld. The historical romance explores themes of loss, redemption, and the price of vengeance. Through Michael and Penelope's story, MacLean examines how past wounds shape present choices, and whether love can overcome a decade of calculated plans.

Readers view this as a solid historical romance with compelling chemistry between the leads. The revenge plot and emotional growth of the hero resonated with romance fans. Liked: - Strong character development, especially Bourne's journey - Letters between young Penelope and Michael add depth - High stakes gambling scenes create tension - Supporting characters set up future books well Disliked: - Some found the first third slow - Hero's cruelty to heroine early on was difficult for some readers - Resolution felt rushed to many - Gaming/club plot elements similar to other romance novels Ratings: Goodreads: 3.95/5 (40,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (600+ reviews) BookBub: 4.3/5 (900+ ratings) "The letters throughout broke my heart" - Goodreads reviewer "Takes too long to get to the good stuff" - Amazon review "Perfect balance of angst and romance" - BookBub reader

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean A wallflower creates a scandal-filled list of forbidden activities in Regency London while falling for a notorious rake who becomes her reluctant partner in crime.

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn Two people enter a marriage of convenience in London's high society, leading to unexpected emotions and complications within their pretend courtship.

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase A bluestocking meets her match in London's most notorious rake, resulting in a battle of wits and a transformation from enemies to lovers.

Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas Four women from different social classes form an alliance to secure their futures through marriage, with one finding herself drawn to a self-made businessman she meant to avoid.

It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas An American heiress clashes with a stubborn British lord in Victorian England while navigating social expectations and undeniable chemistry.

🎲 A Rogue by Any Other Name is the first book in Sarah MacLean's "Rules of Scoundrels" series, which features four aristocrats who own London's most notorious gaming hell, The Fallen Angel. 👰 The novel's marriage plot was inspired by MacLean's own experience writing her wedding vows, which made her think about the meaning and weight of promises. 🎭 The gaming hell featured in the book is loosely based on real London establishments from the Regency era, such as Crockford's and White's, where fortunes were won and lost nightly. ✍️ Sarah MacLean began her writing career as a young adult author before switching to historical romance with her debut adult novel, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake. 🏆 The book won the 2013 RITA Award for Historical Romance from the Romance Writers of America, one of the highest honors in romance fiction.