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The Skills of a Scoundrel

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A Man on the Run from Love...

Lord Mark Dawnton is a genius. Everyone says so. Not only can he think circles around most of his peers, but he has also a skill for maneuvering through his father, the Duke of Wardington’s, marriage schemes.

Mark’s plan: Dodge women of good breeding. Dodge marriage. The plan had done the Duke of Wardington’s youngest son well for years... that is until the day Mark was presented with a new challenge.

He must instruct a lady in the ways of science and present her to His Majesty by the end of the season as a great mind. It's a challenge that he can't refuse... but when he meets his lovely student, Mark finds he's up for another challenge entirely.

A Woman on the Run from Herself...

Lady June Haywood is ready to take on any challenge that will get her in Society's good graces once again. Scandals from her past have made life hard for her, so she's willing to do whatever it takes redeem her reputation. Anything but marriage.

With June's secret past, the last thing she needs in her life is another man, but Mark is like no man she's ever encountered and very quickly, lessons in chemistry and psychology turn toward anatomy. Namely, hers. He doesn't wish to marry and neither does she, but what will happen when their actions give flame to new scandal?

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2016

725 people are currently reading
146 people want to read

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Eleanor Meyers

23 books133 followers

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5 stars
245 (36%)
4 stars
212 (31%)
3 stars
151 (22%)
2 stars
46 (6%)
1 star
26 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,825 reviews40 followers
February 5, 2018
This book was over run with characters. The main characters were worth hanging on for. Their story was strong and I liked his family, which with the arriving cousins from the country made a lot. I also liked her brother Lewis, and her ladies maid, who was, but wasn't ton. I know, that should have its own story. The book was a tangle of inter woven stories, with in the main story. It was very distracting. I just kept reading and stopped trying to figure out who was who, in the plot. Through all this mis - mash there is also fires being set, over a letter. The book begins with a horrible family death, then does not go back, and explain it till the end. I would only recommend this book to someone who can ignore all the buzzing bees of what seemed unimportant comings, and goings, and stick to the main characters. It was a three for me, and I'm generous, but I liked the last half of the book,and the ending.
Profile Image for Gilgamesha.
469 reviews11 followers
August 7, 2017
Decent read.

Too many characters and stories going on....otherwise it would've been decent. June and Mark's chemistry was what made this book worth reading.
Profile Image for Amy.
261 reviews49 followers
August 9, 2017
I don't understand, the description is really not what happens in the book. And we barely get any time with the main MCs because the POVs are split between so many secondary superfluous characters I just did not care about. Why am I reading so much about a romance/relationship between two other characters and not the main characters? Frustrating, did not enjoy any of this tbh.
Profile Image for Shelli.
Author 1 book17 followers
July 24, 2017
Not a standalone.

This is not a standalone novel. Or if it is, it's even worse than it seems. The story is so hard to follow with as many POVs that are going on. There are too many storylines for anything to be covered well, and the author doesn't try to cover any of them well anyway. We are told everything. While the main love story of the plot is severely lacking in depth, the mystery is even worse. The typos, missed words and misspellings are distracting. I think there was a missed opportunity in using June's photographic memory. Not enough evidence to suggest Mark was a genius. The prologue is super confusing to the story. And then there's the mention of Freud.
Profile Image for Ms M.
152 reviews
August 29, 2017
This is a standalone novel however it's better you read the first book so you have the background of characters that will be in this story/or other books in this series, which a LOT OF THEM so you can follow the story better. See my review on the first book.

I skipped book 2 and 3 as I don't care to read a book with too many characters nor short stories as book 1 & 2 but it turned up this is pretty much the same. Since I like to see June's & Mark's story so here I am. I skipped all the pages for characters that I don't want to follow so pretty much it became a short story.

Book 4 - Lord Mark Dawnton & Lady June Haywood
Year of 1827 - London
Lord Mark Dawnton, the Duke of Wardington's youngest son, is genius, only interest in his books, science and trying his best to avoid his father's scheme to marry him off. The College gives him a task so they can earn their first charter by tutoring a female, to see if a woman can be educated. Lady June is the first female they chose.

Lady June Haywood, a lady who wishes to redeem herself, she will do anything to be accepted back into Society's good graces, except marriage. and also to help her brother not to marry the horrid lady that he picked that he thinks by marrying her June's reputation can be redeemed. The first meeting not what they expected it then after that first meeting both of them try their best to beat each other POV.

Will give their story a 4.5 star however I have to rated based on the whole book which so many plots, characters, which I couldn't keep up because of that I gave this book 3.5 stars.

Next book from the series that I read is book #8 How to Make a Marquess, story of June's brother, Lewis Haywood.

Books in order - Wardington Park Series

1. To Love a Lord of London
2. The Regards of a Rogue
2.5 The Lords of Love
3. Gaining the Gentleman
4. The Skills of a Scoundrel
5. A Gentleman's Game
6. The Gentleman's Game of Love
7. The Gentleman's Law on Love
8. How to Make a Marquess
9. How to Design a Duke
10. How to Keep a Knight
Profile Image for Danielle Urban.
Author 12 books166 followers
November 23, 2016
Skills of a Scoundrel by Eleanor Meyers is a fascinating read. This historical romance intrigues readers from page one. I was hooked in immediately. The characters set the pacing in a fast but entertaining way. Never was there a moment for dullness. I felt the emotions coming forth from the characters as if they were my own. The heat and intimidating circumstances felt right. Women struggling to reach out into the world of academics...and here we meet one fine lady brave enough to step into it. Scandal following the blue-eyed beauty everywhere she goes. Not because she did something wrong but due to a friend under her watch. Imagine how cruel society is back then compared to now...gossip could ruin a soul and their family's name forever. Consequences come into play, and it was exciting to watch the lead female character turn down a prominent man not once once, not twice but three times in one night. Oh, a man's ego...has set him even more determined to win lady June Harwood's hand. She's all he thinks about no matter what he's doing. A woman who loves learning as much as a man is one to behold...and to never let go. However, danger is ahead and the past may just keep all well-thought plans away...

Skills of a Scoundrel is highly engaging to read. The book was easy to follow along and the characters were enchanting. Eleanor Meyers has once more brought a new favorite to my hands. The emotional attachment is great. The suspense was perfect. I was constantly on my toes waiting the final outcome. Eleanor Meyers' writing is superb. She creates fresh fiction that captivates and engages readers to follow along. Never knowing where they will be led. Overall, I highly recommend this brilliant piece of literature to all.
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,206 reviews176 followers
November 24, 2016
Once again Eleanor Meyers has brought the Duke of Wardington into my life and I enjoyed the visit so much. He is always plotting and seems bound and determined to get his way. This time with his younger son Mark. What I liked about Mark was his determination to fight any feelings he had about Lady June simply because he did not want to be work by his father.

I loved the scientific twist to the story, I was so involved in the way Lady Jane Haywood was portrayed. Her brain was so intricate to the story and made it even more special. I really like the way Ms. Meyers writes and brings out the most in her characters. She makes them spring to life with words and actions and this was certainly the case in this book.
13 reviews
August 16, 2017
Has potential but still needs work, its not finished

(I am Toms wife, this is my review) For me the book was hard to get into, then once I hit chapter 5, it got better. I became interested in June and Mark. I was truly excited to read about the much anticipated wedding, a little was mentioned at the begging of the Epliude, but after that nothing. So that very disappointing for me. Plus there are a lot of grammar and spelling issues. However my rank of two stars is due to the book never really finishing to me. There was great build up, then not really anything but the mention of their wedding. As I said though this book has great potential. Personally for me if less was put in the other stuff, the book would be even better.
1 review
August 9, 2017
Not one of the better efforts for this genre.

I believe this was my first time reading this author and it will likely be my last. While I enjoy this genre, I think I will stick to the more popular authors such as Jo Beverly and Elizabeth Hoyt.

This book had potential and good characters but you never really got to know them. The plot was elementary with no real surprises to set it apart. Also, the book had so many characters that it was difficult keeping track of them all. Just really wasn't that enjoyable and it felt like half the kindle book was blank pages between really short chapters to make the book appear longer.
Profile Image for ❤⚔♥❧Helpless Romantic☙♥⚔❤.
78 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2017
Lovely!

I loved this book and couldn't put it down! I was sad that I didn't realize it was a part of a series, but now that I know that I can discover my other favorite characters from this book and read their story, I'm definitely going to! The story behind the characters was great, the other characters from previous stories were introduced enough that I was not lost, and I feel in love with everyone! The book was well written and I couldn't put it down! Can't wait to read the beginning stories as well as the ones that come after!
Profile Image for Monica971.
23 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2017
This wasn't a terrible book, but it was confusing if you haven't read any of the previous books in the series. I found myself distracted by too many different things going on at the same time. At least twice in the book there was a note that you could look at a family tree to find connections between the characters, but that was too much work for me, since I like this genre for a quick and easy read. I liked the story line between the main characters, and would probably would have given this book more stars if I had read the first books in the series before reading it.
256 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2017
EXCITING REGENCY ROMANCE SERIES

A great cast of characters make this book an excellent story. So many intertwined plots of deceit, secrets and matchmaking make the storyline simply superb. Thank you for the family links, as we would be lost to some of the family interactions. Reading of June and Marks' romance, you forget the book started with Anne and Colins' family. How desperate June must have felt to have an abortion in this era. Thank you for an engaging and interesting story, Danny and Debbie Scott.
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,518 reviews9 followers
December 19, 2017
Although I really like both Mark and June, and their interplay about marriage and science, there were way too many other storylines and characters.

I forgot to focus on the fire setters because there was so much else going on. Even with the family listings at the beginning, the names got all mixed up.

This way of introducing people so you read another book didn't work. I especially disliked the epilogue, usually about a happy ending, instead being about the frustrating "end" of the relationship between the Duke and Abigail.

KU
Profile Image for Andrea.
801 reviews11 followers
July 4, 2017
This one was really tough to get through. There were many, many proofreading errors. And the plot was convoluted. So much so that at multiple times - in between chapters there was a note suggesting you refer to the family tree if you were having trouble making the connections about who everyone was.
Profile Image for Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams.
2,705 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2018
The Skills of A Scoundrel (Wardington Park, Book 4)

The love story of Mark and June. Mark must show that a woman can be taught science and mathematics. June is chose to learn this thinks. Can she do it or will she fall for Mark? Fire are being set in many ton's home can there be someone to rune the season? Great story.
20 reviews
May 12, 2020
The writing is immersive overall, but the cast is large and can be hard to tract thoroughly. Most likely because my unobservent self came in on book 4 instead of book one. 🤦‍♂️ In the end though, it is a standard paper back romance novel; so an easy and feel good read set in the high society of early 1800 England. I'll read it again on another lazy rainy weekend.
196 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2016
Meyers is the Queen of Clean Romance and Mystery!

Fantastic Story, great intrigue and wonderful character development. All the books in this series are superb and the net book can't come soon enough!
Profile Image for Paula.
331 reviews
August 27, 2017
Disorganized

I only gave it two stars because I liked the characters... It jumped too much, the chapters seemed to end abruptly, it needs a better editor, and the plot was a little lackluster.
Profile Image for Melissa Polk.
Author 11 books70 followers
September 19, 2017
Whoops. This was book four? Part way through I figured it wasn't the first but wouldn't have guessed fourth. Oh well. It was enjoyable fluff. Predictable, enjoyable, free kindle-prime fluff. Just wanted I wanted and needed.
Profile Image for vivi licata.
3 reviews
September 23, 2017
A little confusing at the beginning

Hard time keeping up.BUt then it started to flow.enjoyable read.NOrmal romantic story line,great read for an evening entertainment.Will follow up on next story line.
51 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2017
The Skills of a Scoundrel

Your editor should find another vocation. He or she was absent in so many places.
Cute story, funny names, too many glaring hiccups.
Profile Image for Mary Brewer.
1 review
August 8, 2017
Not worth the time

This book eso poorly edited that it takes away from what little plot tho is. Very disappointing. I would not recommend.
Profile Image for Leigh Goldian.
300 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2017
Super cute!

I love romance novels, especially ones like this. It wasn't cheesy at all, had a good mystery to it and was really well written. Bravo!
16 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2017
The Skills of A Scoundrel

I enjoyed reading this book , I especially liked when the author gets the season s in there . It has romance and mystery without any need for nudity
4,858 reviews8 followers
December 19, 2017
Thank you

Love reading your books. Would read them over and over again. Please write more series books. Thank you very much
15 reviews
January 11, 2018
Excellent

Couldn't put it down. Loved every part of this one. I can't wait to read more books in this series.
3 reviews
February 3, 2018
Great read

I enjoy her series and keeping the families all straight is a part of the fun. She continues to put out good m material and I will continue reading her books
Profile Image for Victoria Busby.
237 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2018
The best author

Eleanor Meyers is possibly the best author of the romance genre. Her characters are well rounded. The plots are action packed and her romances are clean.
Profile Image for Shirley Hamlod.
1,114 reviews7 followers
May 2, 2018
Another brilliant instalment in this series. I love Mark and his story. The background plot is really good too which adds another dimension to Eleanor’s stories. Loved it!
Profile Image for Megan Besing.
Author 9 books156 followers
May 8, 2018
Mark and June go well together.

Another enjoyable Warrington Park book. A good clean, read with a good happily ever after. I like the plot it was a bit different.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

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