Publication Date: May 10, 2021
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Genre: Regency Romance
Pages: 256
Dates Read: March 21-23, 2021
Format: Paperback ARC from publisher
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A Proper Scoundrel
GoodReads Synopsis
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.
My Review
5 STARS
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely adored this book, but honestly it is no surprise because Esther Hatch has become an auto-buy author for me.
Quick Stats:
Overall: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Content Warnings: None
We had previously met our main hero, Lord Bryant, in Esther’s other ‘Proper’ books–A Proper Scandal. and A Proper Charade. He is well known for being a rake, and has a terrible reputation. As we have seen him previously, we know he is charming and witty, and I could not wait to read this one and learn more about him.
Our new heroine, Diana is a fiercely independent woman who owns and runs multiple railroad lines. This is very unique to the time period, and I found it so refreshing to have such a fierce, independent woman who knows that she doesn’t NEED a man to do what she wants to do. She is so brave and smart, but she is also kind, and I loved these traits in her.
The way that these two MC’s collide was one of my very favorite moments in the book. It was a laugh-out-loud worthy moment. It was completely improper and outrageously funny.
Learning more about Everton (Lord Bryant), was such an experience. I knew that there was more to him than his reputation, but I never imagined just how deep of a character he was. I absolutely loved his story and background, and I believe he is my absolute favorite Esther Hatch character that I have ever read.
Also, Esther Hatch is the Queen of kissing scenes. Every single one is amazingly swoon-worthy and I live for them! They are perfection!
As for the plot, I really enjoyed it, but I did feel it was a tad bit rushed. I would have loved if it was just a little bit longer.
Overall though, I genuinely loved this one, and I HIGHLY recommend if you love a good Historical/Regency Romance. This one comes with unique characters, fun comedic moments, and swoon that gives you all the feels!
Special thanks to Covenant Communications who gifted me a paperback ARC for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
ESTHER HATCH grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week.
Alicia Reads It 