Surrender to a Scoundrel

Can This Be Love #3

by Julianne MacLean

No woman can resist him. . .

Lord Martin Langdon takes pride in his scandalous reputation as a scoundrel, and he considers the art of seduction a most rewarding pastime. So when this dashing rakehell learns of a particularly beautiful woman who is "impossible to flirt with," Martin is determined to prove that not even the prim and proper Evelyn Wheaton can resist his charms.

Except one.

Evelyn knows all about the reckless rogue's shocking reputation and she wants nothing to do with him. She may be looking for a husband, but Martin is certainly not a candidate. The smoldering looks he sends her way, however, are a different matter entirely. She suspects there is great passion to be had if she'd throw caution to the wind and surrender to this scoundrel . . . but dare she risk her heart?

And will Martin, who hides a most tormented past, find true love at last?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Regency Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Julianne MacLean is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the contemporary women’s fiction Color of Heaven Series. Readers have described her books as “breathtaking,” “soulful” and “uplifting.” MacLean is a four-time RITA finalist and has won numerous awards, including the Booksellers’ Best Award and a Reviewers’ Choice Award from Romantic Times. Her novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been published in over a dozen languages.

MacLean has a degree in English literature from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a degree in business administration from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She loves to travel and has lived in New Zealand, Canada, and England. MacLean currently resides on the east coast of Canada in a lakeside home with her husband and daughter.

For more information about Julianne and her writing life, please visit her website at www.juliannemaclean.com. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub to be notified whenever her ebooks are offered for FREE or 99 cents. (www.bookbub.com/authors/julianne-maclean) and chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JulianneMacLeanRoman...), Twitter (@JulianneMacLean), and Instagram (@JulianneMaclean).

Reviews

[Alba Turunen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Estrellitas. Efectivamente, éste libro ha sido un buen broche para cerrar la serie de las Herederas Americanas. Esta serie es lo único que he leído de Julianne MacLean, y en general me ha dejado muy satisfecha.

"Rendida a un canalla" es la historia de lord Martin, el hermano pequeño de James, a quien conocimos en el primer libro "Noble de corazón" cuando solo era un muchacho recién expulsado de Eton, y gracias al primer capítulo, sabemos por qué fue expulsado de Eton.

Su protagonista femenina es Evelyn Wheaton, una viuda joven y acaudalada, y por ello un plato apetecible entre la alta sociedad.

El libro transcurre en verano en la isla de Wight en Inglaterra, cuando se celebrara la regata anual. Martin es el patrón de un barco y lleva dos años seguidos ganando la regata. Este año se le presenta un gran reto, primero, porque su rival lord Breckinridge tiene un barco más veloz que el suyo, y por otro lado, la protagonista, Evelyn.

Realmente Evelyn y Martin se conocían prácticamente desde toda la vida. Él la salvó de morir ahogada cuando no era más que un muchacho, y en su tiempo en Eton tuvieron algún encuentro. En secreto, Evelyn siempre se sintió atraída por Martin, pero él ¿Cómo podría fijarse en ella cuando era un patito feo?

Han pasado diez años desde que se vieron siendo jóvenes. Ahora, Martin sólo está interesado en ganar la regata, y Evelyn ha pasado su año correspondiente de luto por su padre y su esposo, y siendo un rica heredera, ha acudido a Cowes dispuesta a encontrar un marido. Evelyn es demasiado avispada como para saber qué espera en un matrimonio, el primero no fue una maravilla, pero es práctica, quiere hijos y su inmensa fortuna la convierte en una pieza apetecible.

Cuando Martin ve a Evelyn, vuelven los antiguos recuerdos, pese a que él recuerda que Evelyn siempre fue fría e indiferente con él. Será entre los bailes de la alta sociedad de Cowes donde Evelyn y Martin conecten de nuevo y den paso a una oportunidad para el romance.

Desde el principio, Evelyn sabe lo que quiere, pero Martin no desea casarse, así que ¿Cómo podrán solucionar lo suyo? Si Martin no se da prisa, lord Breckinridge puede ganar no sólo la regata, si no también la mano de Evelyn.

En realidad el libro no parece gran cosa, pero me ha despertado muchos sentimientos, y todos muy favorables. Una bonita historia que se lee rápido. Unos protagonistas conmovedores, sobre todo he disfrutado con Evelyn; y además al ser adultos es más fácil congeniar con ellos, distinto habría sido si Martin hubiese conocido a una debutante.

Como no podía ser de otra manera, me ha encantado saber de nuevo de Sophia y James. Los personajes secundarios de ésta novela también han sido muy buenos, pero sobre todo lo que me ha gustado es que el libro se desarrolle en la costa y en ambiente veraniego y lejos de los salones londinenses.

Por tanto he disfrutado mucho de éste libro y por consiguiente de la serie en general, pese a haber tenido algunos altibajos, pero ha sido una saga entretenida.

[Monique Takens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : Zeil met me mee - Candlelight Historische roman 705
Dit verhaal speelt zich af in 1881 ( het victoriaanse tijdperk ) en is erg origineel omdat het over een zeilwedstrijd gaat .

[Kim H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a second time read for me, in order to decide if I had gotten it right the first time and it really was a keeper. This was the only Julianne MacLean novel on my keeper shelf, and I've read a few. Nothing else that I've read by her quite matches up to this one.
What I like about this book...
1st, it's a Victorian, which I always prefer over a regency, and I like the unique setting. I think this is the first thing I've come across that's set in the Isle of Wight and the yacht racing culture of the period. It has a genuine feel to it as do her characters & dialogue. Secondly, there's the interaction between the H&H. Very candid and mature, which is a nice change of pace from the usual silly misunderstandings. They have them but seem to have figured out that a little communication goes a long way, and don't mind talking things out. I also like the plain-ish widow who blossoms under the attention of a gorgeous man scenario when it's done credibly, which I think this was. Martin (hero) has had kind of a thing for Evelyn (heroine) since they were children and doesn't seem to ever see her in quite the same way that others do, and this was very appealing. Lastly, I like it that he recognizes his conflicts and isn't stupidly blind about what makes him behave the way he does. Does it stop him from behaving that way? No, but he knows he's a pinhead for it.

What I don't like about this book...
The love scenes, IMHO, are a trainwreck. There's actually a scene where he sprays "manly fluid" onto the headboard(!). I read parts peeping through my fingers. The prose is a little stilted, and the pillow-talk got downright cringe-worthy. I don't like how long it takes for Martin to get his act together, and some parts of that soul search got a tad melodramatic. She created a character that was clearly a better man and then ditched him when it was convenient. Not cool. The tragedy in his past didn't ring 100% true for me either. And yet all of that said, I'd still recommend this book to anyone wishing to explore Julianne MacLean's work. I think the positives outweigh the negatives enough to represent her well as a writer. Judging by a few others that I've read, it is one of her best. It doesn't stand up as well as I had hoped on a re-read - so not a keeper. It's definitely memorable, though, which leaves me torn between rating it a C+ or B-.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surrender to a Scoundrel is set in the Isle of Wight during the Victorian era and the main character, Evelyn, is the Victorian equivalent of 'But she's got glasses, and a ponytail!'
We're told she's incredibly plain but the only evidence of this, asides from everyone saying it out loud constantly, is that she has to wear spectacles. 
The 'scoundrel' Lord Martin is popular, charming, would be played by Henry Cavill in the Netflix movie, and casually saved her life once.
He's also an incorrigible slag.
And a champion yachtsman. That's one thing I really didn't expect going into this, just how much yachting I would be subjected to. Also chowder. I've never seen anyone MORE keen for chowder than every character in this book. 

The story is based around a yachting race between sexy Lord Martin and his less sexy rival Lord Breckinridge who's vying for the widow Evelyn's hand in marriage because she's incredibly, disgustingly, wealthy even though we never find out why (I imagine she sells chowder).
Evelyn wishes to find herself a new husband so that she can start a family. However, her reputation is that she's a plain, boring prude who is utterly impossible to flirt with. Lord Martin, who's had a weird thing about Evelyn ever since she got him suspended once, loves a challenge and wants to prove he can win her over (despite the fact that he refuses to marry and that she seems to hate him).

At first I wasn't sure whether things would get spicy due to their Victorian sensibilities. At the halfway point for instance, the scoundrel pulls out a bottle of wine with no glasses. "How will we drink it?" Evelyn asks. Martin responds with a drinking motion with his hand.
"Are you INSANE?", She replies. 

Nevertheless 2 minutes and an egg sandwich later, he's fingerbanging her on the beach. (Where do you draw the line, Evelyn!?)

From that point forward things really picked up and I flew through the second half in the space of an afternoon. I'll admit I even enjoyed the yachting. 

Due to the supposed sluttiness of Lord Martin I couldn't help but google when penicillin was discovered and it was long after this book was set so they likely have a lot of mercury in their future. 3.5 stars. 

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poignant

This is a great story. It's both sad and poignant.
Martin and Evelyn are so much the better for knowing each other.
Julianne MacLean writes a good book.

[Katrina Passick Lumsden · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I've made it to the end of Julianne MacLean's American Heiresses.

How do I feel? Well...



That about sums it up. It was rather a chore getting through them all because they're all essentially the same story just with different characters and situations. And once again, that story has to do with two people who are supposedly adults acting like petulant children. MacLean is not very good with characters, and her dialogue leaves a lot to be desired. There was a funny part about a fine set of balls in this book, and I appreciated that because it was the first time I'd actually been made to laugh. Throughout the entire series. The loving declarations are over-the-top and unrealistic. The only thing that keeps these books even remotely interesting is the plot, and that's hard to find interesting after you've already read five different variations on the same theme in the other books.

I think I've made it through all the MacLean books I had on-hand. Time to move on to a (hopefully) more compelling author.

[Karen Docter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the unique characters (for me, at least). Evelyn is tightly wrapped, afraid of breaking out of her shell, no matter how much she wants to do it with Martin. I enjoyed watching her learn to "let go". I really enjoyed Martin's character. He's not your typical rakehell, with his preoccupation with sailing. That intrigued me, as did his history which turned him into the rakehell with his reputation. These two were a great foil for each other. Loved the story!

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by this author and I really, really liked it. Lovely writing style. Characters were nicely developed and their emotional evolution throughout the story was handled well, and I loved how they actually talked with each other as the story progressed. Would have liked to see the little worm suffer more for his venality, but hopefully he will be socially ostracized as well as thrown out of the yacht club. Overall, one of my better experiences with a new author, and I will definitely seek out more books by her.

[Aneca · Rating 3 out of 5]

No woman can resist him. . .

Lord Martin Langdon takes pride in his scandalous reputation as a scoundrel, and he considers the art of seduction a most rewarding pastime. So when this dashing rakehell learns of a particularly beautiful woman who is "impossible to flirt with," Martin is determined to prove that not even the prim and proper Evelyn Wheaton can resist his charms.

Except one.

Evelyn knows all about the reckless rogue's shocking reputation and she wants nothing to do with him. She may be looking for a husband, but Martin is certainly not a candidate. The smoldering looks he sends her way, however, are a different matter entirely. She suspects there is great passion to be had if she'd throw caution to the wind and surrender to this scoundrel . . . but dare she risk her heart?

And will Martin, who hides a most tormented past, find true love at last?

Ever since I read to Marry The Duke I start every MacLean book with the anticipation of finding another story as perfect as that one. Unfortunately so far it hasn't happened yet.

I give it to her that she writes original characters with real and difficult problems to deal with - for instance this hero felt horribly guilty of having contributed to the accident that killed his wife and child so he didn't feel worthy of being happy.

She also has original settings, this story is set Cowes - a renowned seaside resort famous for his yacht club and the Cowes Regatta. Lord Martin owns one such yachts and I found really interesting all that information about the sport that the author provides.

I think, however, that there was some lack of intensity in the main characters relationship. I wanted them to talk more about their feelings for each other. It seemed to me Lord Martin did most of the talking and more about what tortured him than his feelings about Evelyn. That was certainly necessary for him to expel his demons but I wanted more...

Grade: C+

[Rebecca Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tend to avoid regency romance (I guess this one is technically late Victorian) as I think it's very difficult to make the plots fresh and intriguing. After all, how many variations on emotionally detached aristocrats and seductive rakes can you have?

This novel was a pleasant surprise in that it covered what was, for me, unfamiliar ground. The heroine was a widow rather than a virgin, and the hero was the mercurial younger brother rather than the rascally heir. The setting - in and around a major yacht race on the Isle of Wight - was also a refreshing change from the strolls in Hyde Park and escapes to country manors that are typical of this drama.

All in all, and despite it not being my usual fare (which speaks particularly well of the story), I really enjoyed this novel and would certainly seek out some of the other, tangential installments by the same author.

[abi rafon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liking this book is understated though i didnt love this much to give it 5 stars or more.. then 4 stars were not really enough. So im having a hard time rating it. but obviously, for me this one is a keeper since im intending to remain it on my bookshelves for good long time and planning to re-read not quite soon.

anyway, the only thing that keeps troubling me was the fact that the characters were not remarkable enough to keep lingering on one's mind,at least not on mine. except for that, all in all i enjoyed it.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story as it is something outside the usual of innocent bride meets the "rake". Substance to the story and building of the relationship was better than most. Really enjoyed this series.

[Lore Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Con ese título pensé que iba a ser la típica historia del cretino con la protagonista recatada y seria. No esperaba mucho, pero me fue sorprendiendo.

Martin es el hermano menor de James. En el primer libro de la serie, era un muchacho rebelde que expulsaron de Eton. Ahora sabemos porqué.
En la actualidad es dueño de un barco y ha mantenido el título de campeón por dos años consecutivos en la regata anual. Este año las cosas parecen diferentes, porque lord Breckinridge tiene un barco más veloz que el suyo, además de estar interesado en la fortuna de la acaudalada viuda. Cuando era un muchacho, Martin salvó a esta chica de morir ahogada. Pero sus encuentros no han sido tan afortunados y ella parece despreciarlo.

Evelyn Wheaton es una joven viuda, que ha heredado la fortuna de su padre. Esto la posicionó como un excelente partido, a pesar de no ser considerada tan atractiva. Tiene baja autoestima, por eso es una persona seria y distante. Nunca fue querida por su padre, siempre la trató como alguien sin valor y la casó con un hombre que tampoco la quiso. Desde que Martin la rescató, estuvo enamorada de él en secreto, pero sabía que era un mujeriego y que nunca se fijaría en alguien como ella. Vio a su madre sufrir por un matrimonio sin amor y ella no desea que le pase lo mismo. Por eso encierra sus emociones y actúa con indiferencia.

Evelyn tiene muy claro sus objetivos, es una mujer práctica que no espera mucho de un hombre. Solo desea un matrimonio respetable y ser madre. Pero Martin no quiere casarse, mucho menos tener un hijo. El solo busca placeres superficiales y emociones fuertes como ganar la competencia y mantener el título. Pero las apariencias engañan. Tiene un pasado que lo atormenta y le impide avanzar.

Como ambos ya son personas adultas, que han pasado por experiencias difíciles en la vida, su historia se siente más madura. Evelyn es una chica inteligente y no tan ingenua como las debutantes. Pero de alguna manera las escenas de pasión consiguen dar cringe. No soy muy fan de algunos detalles innecesarios.

El tema de la rivalidad con los barcos sí tuvo su momento de tensión.

[SylviaV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Love Begins by Julianne MacLean - Series is called "Can This Be Love" Book 3.

Even though this is book 3 in a series, this is a stand-alone book and there is no need to have read the previous books in the series. Evelyn and Martin have a history from when they were young kids, but the story starts in 1881 when they meet again at a sailing competition where Martin is one of the favourites to win and Evelyn is now a wealthy widow looking for a husband. What follows is a lovely story about how past experiences shape but do not define a person and how a person reacts to experiences/circumstances creates the opportunities to either live a happy or miserable life depending on the choices you make. I liked that there was no contrived/angsty misunderstanding type of conflict but that the two main characters had an adult relationship and, in the end, got their Happy Ever After. I disliked the bedroom scenes as these were not well written in my opinion and seemed awkward. I do not know enough about sailing competition boats in 1881 to make any comments but if it requires a crew of several men to sail the boat in a competition, is it possible to sail this same boat with only 1 person during a storm, then jump overboard to rescue several persons from another competition boat while that other boat is damaged and sinking without any damage to your own boat. I am not sure, but that scenario sounded a bit fanciful. Overall, a nice read.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Martin has matured over the years. He does not want to marry but there is Evelyn Foster who is now the Widow Wheaton. They are at the yacht race on the Isle of Wright. She is wealthy now and many are after her money but he is wanting her. He has had a love that left him never wanting to feel that again. Can Evelyn change his way of thinking? She has loved him for years. He has had feelings for her. Can they make it work?

[Jennifer Hevern · Rating 4 out of 5]

and the details of of the sailing are wonderful

I thoroughly enjoyed this swoon-worthy historical romance by Julianne MacLean. I've read and loved many of her books but this was the first historical romance I've read by her and it did not disappoint. Just proving what a gifted writer she is. The romance between Evelyn & Martin is fabulous, but the sailing; makes it want to experience it myself.

[Rocio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me ha gustado, la historia es muy entretenida, bien documentada y muy divertida, se lee rapidisimo y te deja con muy buen sabor de boca...
Este libro es el último de la saga Herederas Americanas, y he de decir, que van de de más a menos.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of Lord Martin, the Duke of Wentworth younger brother. He is a man now and a famous sailing race champ. but he has a tragic history. Evelyn is a rich widow who gets more attractive as the story unfolds. He takes her on private sails. She likes him and learns how to express it.

[Virginia L · Rating 4 out of 5]

His love is evasive!

An interesting tale involving sailboat races and the challenges they bring.
Coupled with an intense love story that faces so many hurdles you aren't sure it can survive. I recommend this book.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice read

This story was about a romance amidst a yearly yacht race. Two people meet after ten years and an interesting past knowledge of each other. Then as the week goes on much is revealed between them and obstacles must be overcome before they fall their hea

[Ana (Cazadora de Historias) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un romance simplemente increíble. Personajes realistas, profundamente humanos. Una trama simple, pero sumamente interesante plasmando un tema tan refrescante como la navegación en vela.

Una historia especial, sencilla y simceramente encantadora...

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

leído en Oct 2013

Estuvo bueno, me gustó!!

Como los anteriores ha sido entretenido

[Adric Rangel · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Valoración: 3.75/5***
Lo leí en el 2013... Y recuerdo que casi no lo leo porque no me gusto la portada.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reverse coming soon. One of my favourite from ajuliann

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️

[Lita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story and it was well written. I did feel the ending could have been more.

[Irma Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of Martin and Evelyn and the sailing scenes. Something I have never done but in my imagination.

[Twila Leininger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Merely ok.

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and a joy to read. I loved Evelyn & Martin's story.