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Frederick Stoneham’s father arranges his marriage to Lady Eleanor Ashton. Frederick has a reputation as a rogue as he enjoys women, gambling and drinking. He is the heir and future Baron Worthington after the death of his older brother. His memory of Eleanor is of a shy and timid creature thus he feels she will not interfere with his lifestyle. Eleanor is not happy with the betrothal although she has feelings for him. His reputation does not make for a good husband.
To Love a Scoundrel is a character study of Frederick. He does not feel worthy of love, his self esteem is low and his relationship with his father is rocky. We get inside his head. He feels second best and unloved by his father who blames him for his mother’s death. Ms. Cook thoroughly dissects his character. The reader knows what he feels and thinks. From the opening sequence, the reader’s sympathy goes to the little boy by the graveside. One can only imagine the traumatic damage done to him at such a young age. It is a wonder that he hasn’t done worse with his life. Frederick hides himself under a façade due to the hurt he has experienced. Eleanor believes herself to be in love with Frederick ever since he kissed her when she was sixteen. She knows he will not be the best of husbands since she can’t trust him. Eleanor has her own emotional baggage as her mother had a myriad of lovers and treated her father badly. How these two handle their marriage and problems are tackled within the story.
To Love a Scoundrel is a perfectly satisfying read. It is a character driven story about a man’s redemption at the hands of his true love. The characters feel much older than their actual ages. Frederick and Eleanor are fully developed and their story moves at a very nice pace. Ultimately it is the romance between them that will win the reader’s heart!
Reviewed by Susan Tam
for The Road to Romance
May 22, 2007
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