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A Perfect Scoundrel
Once there was a shy young woman with no offers for her hand...
Once there was a handsome rake who never gave her a second glance...
In the costume of her lovely cousin, the shy young woman attended a masked ball.
The handsome rake thought she was someone else. The shy young woman let him. When the masks were dropped, the ruse was revealed. But the real escapade had just begun.
Once there was a handsome rake who never gave her a second glance...
In the costume of her lovely cousin, the shy young woman attended a masked ball.
The handsome rake thought she was someone else. The shy young woman let him. When the masks were dropped, the ruse was revealed. But the real escapade had just begun.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2000
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382 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 22, 2025
Read: 8/22/25
Setting: Regency England
Trope: forced marriage/ MOC, pregnancy, second chances
3.5 stars
plot:
Jane is madly in love with Quentin. Unfortunately, he comes over her house to see her stepsister Rissa. Jane is shy and can't speak to him. She loves him from afar. Now, an opportunity arrives to be with him, and she can't resist.
Quentin is in love! He plans to compromise Rissa so she will be forced to marry him. He doesn't even mind that her plain stepsister joins them. When he sees Rissa at the Masquerade ball, he takes her to a secluded garden and kisses her. It's one of the best kisses that Quentin ever received until they were interrupted. To his surprise and anger, he was kissing Jane, not Rissa.
The two are forced to marry. In his anger, he drunkly takes his anger out on Jane. He will send her away. That's what she gets for her scheming, even though it's his fault they were caught 🙄
Jane isn't going to slink off and hide. She's heartbroken that the man she loves hates her. So she decides to turn his home into something he can be proud of. She turns his estate into a profit and makes a life for herself. She's an amazing character!
Later, Quentin wonders why Jane isn't begging to return to London. He's forced by his father to go after Jane. He is shocked to see her talking with commoners. He's very snobbish. Jane soon changes Quentin's way of thinking. He goes from a sullen, spoiled brat to a strong provider. His journey was great! Quentin soon learns what a gift Jane really was in his life.
conclusion: This was a pretty good hr! I'd rate it somewhere between okay and good. I'll definitely try more by this author.
Setting: Regency England
Trope: forced marriage/ MOC, pregnancy, second chances
3.5 stars
plot:
Jane is madly in love with Quentin. Unfortunately, he comes over her house to see her stepsister Rissa. Jane is shy and can't speak to him. She loves him from afar. Now, an opportunity arrives to be with him, and she can't resist.
Quentin is in love! He plans to compromise Rissa so she will be forced to marry him. He doesn't even mind that her plain stepsister joins them. When he sees Rissa at the Masquerade ball, he takes her to a secluded garden and kisses her. It's one of the best kisses that Quentin ever received until they were interrupted. To his surprise and anger, he was kissing Jane, not Rissa.
The two are forced to marry. In his anger, he drunkly takes his anger out on Jane. He will send her away. That's what she gets for her scheming, even though it's his fault they were caught 🙄
Jane isn't going to slink off and hide. She's heartbroken that the man she loves hates her. So she decides to turn his home into something he can be proud of. She turns his estate into a profit and makes a life for herself. She's an amazing character!
Later, Quentin wonders why Jane isn't begging to return to London. He's forced by his father to go after Jane. He is shocked to see her talking with commoners. He's very snobbish. Jane soon changes Quentin's way of thinking. He goes from a sullen, spoiled brat to a strong provider. His journey was great! Quentin soon learns what a gift Jane really was in his life.
conclusion: This was a pretty good hr! I'd rate it somewhere between okay and good. I'll definitely try more by this author.
September 27, 2015
Maybe I should switch back to HPs. My last two forays back into HR have been very disappointingly filled with Beta heroes. Maybe it's the Regency thing.
The hero thinks he's in love with a glamorous beauty on the market for the Season. Her plainer stepsister (named Jane) falls in love with him through watching how he charms her stepsister (the stepsister never wanted him).
On the night of one ball Jane decides to pretend to be her stepsister, just to get a kiss from the "H". She didn't know he'd planned to kiss her stepsister that night and have witnesses catch them to force a marriage.
Oops! wrong girl.
Hero is a childish ass about this, but forced to go along when his father - who thinks Jane is a great catch - threatens to cut him off if he doesn't marry her.
The H is attracted to the heroine, even though she isn't a beauty on the level of her stepsister. This just makes him angry. Dammit! He's too fabulous for plain Jane. When she innocently tries to seduce him on their wedding night, he gets mad and rapes her. Then he send her away the next morning to his neglected country estate.
Jane flourishes in the country. She whips the neglected estate and the tenant farms into shape. When the hero finally arrives (forced by Dad again). He sees she's blossomed in this environment and learns all sorts of new things about her. Suddenly he starts seeing her in a different light.
1/2 point for the ducks in hats parade. That was a great image. Did country towns really do that sort of thing?
Anyway, I do think he changes. Mostly, he grows up and quits feeling sorry for himself for being the second son and tries to do something with the life he has. He's also bitterly ashamed for the way he treated the heroine and tries to court her. She's too forgiving IMHO though and this guy is way too beta for my tastes. Despite his roguish past he's really just a gentle country gentleman in the end, who'd been acting out because he felt slighted by being born second.
This may appeal to some, but I prefer a more alpha hero.
The hero thinks he's in love with a glamorous beauty on the market for the Season. Her plainer stepsister (named Jane) falls in love with him through watching how he charms her stepsister (the stepsister never wanted him).
On the night of one ball Jane decides to pretend to be her stepsister, just to get a kiss from the "H". She didn't know he'd planned to kiss her stepsister that night and have witnesses catch them to force a marriage.
Oops! wrong girl.
Hero is a childish ass about this, but forced to go along when his father - who thinks Jane is a great catch - threatens to cut him off if he doesn't marry her.
The H is attracted to the heroine, even though she isn't a beauty on the level of her stepsister. This just makes him angry. Dammit! He's too fabulous for plain Jane. When she innocently tries to seduce him on their wedding night, he gets mad and rapes her. Then he send her away the next morning to his neglected country estate.
Jane flourishes in the country. She whips the neglected estate and the tenant farms into shape. When the hero finally arrives (forced by Dad again). He sees she's blossomed in this environment and learns all sorts of new things about her. Suddenly he starts seeing her in a different light.
1/2 point for the ducks in hats parade. That was a great image. Did country towns really do that sort of thing?
Anyway, I do think he changes. Mostly, he grows up and quits feeling sorry for himself for being the second son and tries to do something with the life he has. He's also bitterly ashamed for the way he treated the heroine and tries to court her. She's too forgiving IMHO though and this guy is way too beta for my tastes. Despite his roguish past he's really just a gentle country gentleman in the end, who'd been acting out because he felt slighted by being born second.
This may appeal to some, but I prefer a more alpha hero.
November 7, 2012
Liked that this wasn't the typical romance. This was about a man leaning to be a man. With the unconditional kindness of his wife, our H goes from truly being the nasty rake we think are in other books, to becoming the man his father saw in him. This guy was truly a selfish man and that was seen in his thoughts and actions. These were not just told to us but shown to us. Wanting to drown the little kitten, trying to beat a duck, distaste for anyone not of noble birth, and just absolutely despicable. The only way I was able to get around the actions of the H in the beginning, the wedding night and the sending her off without a thought to the country, was the writing of the author. The author made the h of sterner stuff and it stayed true throughout. When the H demanded that the h obey him b/c his was her husband in the eyes of the law, she told him that who she married was not him at all and until that man showed himself she didn't and wouldn't be a wife to him at all. She never gave in and managed to stick to her guns until he turned his black heart out and let his love show through. It took almost 7 months for him to grovel and he did it with thoughtfulness and caring. He thought of her and her wants and wishes when trying to woo her. The grovel was not so much seen as it was in his mind to be there for her and take the rest of his life to make up to her for the awful things he had done. His wooing of her showed the depth of his sincerity and the feeling of the HEA was very believable imo. I would recommend for a want to stone the H, but he makes up for it kind of romance read.
December 15, 2015
This was a very good read- but the heroine needed to be more affected by her husband's initial brutality. He raped her. He might not have been a bad person, but he raped her and then was really verbally cruel afterwards. She's kind and loving and loved him from before, and he was rightfully angry because he'd
believed she'd tricked him but he *raped* her. Not 'forced seduction' - but brutal horrible first time.
It's why I gave it 3 stars, because the writing was really good, and the storytelling nicely richly detailed. Jane's inability to hold onto her anger at Quentin blew my mind.
January 25, 2023
This is a pretty typical plot line, so its success is going to rely on the details, and this one doesn’t work. The h’s obsession and trickery make her pathetic, and while you can see the H’s interest and affection increasing, it never makes up for the dubious consent wedding night. Two and a half stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2015
So this book starts out with the hero, Lord Quentin, desperately trying to win Lady Clarissa's (the stepsister of the heroine, Jane) hand in marriage. He feels the cards are stacked against him and he has no chance against her other suitors... unless he compromises her! Unfortunately, he compromises the wrong sister and he is forced by his father into marrying Jane unless he wishes to be cut off forever. The heroine is plain and goes unnoticed my most gentleman, but she thinks herself in love with Lord Quentin. The hero accuses her of trying to trick him into marriage and is vicious towards her. He practically rapes her on their wedding night, then he sends her off to his country estate to punish her.He makes it clear in the beginning of the book that he doesn't find her appealing at all, and actually kind of ugly. When they are finally reunited, *slight spoiler* Jane is pregnant and he's still a giant ass towards her telling her that he would never be intimate with her again, he doesn't care what happens to the baby as long as it is kept out of his sight, and he threatens to drown her cat in the river if she doesn't obey him. Now, you would think the heroine would put up some kind of resistance against him after this behavior, but NOPE! She's still sighing away at his handomeness and longing to be a true couple with him. It's "poor Quentin, poor Quentin" all the time. It's like he never said a bad word to her. And not a few pages after he makes such declarations towards her, all of the sudden he changes his mind and decides he likes her and the heroine is thrilled and just lets him continue to try and woo her. No grovelling needed with this heroine apparantly because Quentin can do no wrong in her eyes, which really pissed me off. I hated how weak and dim-witted the heroine was throughout the book. I like my heroines to have a backbone and stand up for themselves. It could have been a great story if there wasa little more of that, because without it, it just seemed too easy and unrealistic.
December 30, 2018
Some parts dragged. In the second part H`s capitulation came too soon which curbed the excitement of anticipation.
May 20, 2015
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
Lord Quentin Somerville is in love with Clarissa Edwardes, as is every other man in London. When he hears that another competitor will be asking for her hand in marriage, he decides to be caught with her during a masquerade ball in a scandalous position, forcing her to marry him. What he doesn't plan on is her getting sick and her spinster step-sister Jane having to wear her costume.
I really struggled with this book. I didn't care for either main character and actually liked Clarissa. Usually when it's some sort of mistaken identity, it's the other way around. Even with Quentin not once even acknowledging (or any man actually), I'm not sure with either sister would think he might like Jane. In the end though, if you don't like the characters, it's hard to actually like the book.
Lord Quentin Somerville is in love with Clarissa Edwardes, as is every other man in London. When he hears that another competitor will be asking for her hand in marriage, he decides to be caught with her during a masquerade ball in a scandalous position, forcing her to marry him. What he doesn't plan on is her getting sick and her spinster step-sister Jane having to wear her costume.
I really struggled with this book. I didn't care for either main character and actually liked Clarissa. Usually when it's some sort of mistaken identity, it's the other way around. Even with Quentin not once even acknowledging (or any man actually), I'm not sure with either sister would think he might like Jane. In the end though, if you don't like the characters, it's hard to actually like the book.
July 18, 2013
I liked the prose style and the voice a lot, but...the hero's maturation was damn near instantaneous (and happened too early in the book) and the heroine was Practically Perfect in Every Way.
BUT! I enjoyed myself. I liked watching the village and house makeover. I liked the farming details. I liked the parts of the story that did not involve the romance itself.
BUT! I enjoyed myself. I liked watching the village and house makeover. I liked the farming details. I liked the parts of the story that did not involve the romance itself.
August 28, 2012
almost 5 stars....I felt that there could have been more intrigue and more ups and downs in the plotline...it went at a good pace though...
I felt that the hero changed his heart too abruptly to my liking...but overall, 4.6 stars;p
I felt that the hero changed his heart too abruptly to my liking...but overall, 4.6 stars;p
December 21, 2012
Sweet :)
June 17, 2013
the hero had some pretty unheroic moments...lol... and the heroine was far too agreeable at times, but i loved the book!
July 14, 2018
This book started out good. Last half...very boring. Had trouble finishing it. Sad that a good storyline went downhill so badly.
July 30, 2017
"A Perfect Scoundrel" by Heather Cullman Published January 2002.
This is Jane Wentworth and Lord Quentin's story.
Lord Quentin was in love with Clarissa Edwardes.
Shy Jane Wentworth, Clarissa's step sister, was in love with Lord Quintin so when her step sister was ill and couldn't attend the masquerade ball, Jane was talked into attending dressed in Clarissa's costume.
Quentin felt he had no chance in winning Clarissa's hand in marriage and complained to his friend Oxley. Oxley came up with an idea of Quentin compromising Clarissa at the masquerade ball before any of the other suitors had an opportunity to ask for her hand. Quentin acknowledged 'The idea has merit' Quentin is the second son, jealous of his brother and a spoiled aristocrat. He felt he was above everyone and everyone should do as he demanded so he of course thought Clarissa would be thrilled with this plan in the end with him being such a handsome fellow.
At the ball Quentin encouraged Jane out to the gardens and Jane feeling so overwhelmed with joy at his attentions went along with him. Their kiss was unexpectedly wonderful until Oxley showed up with the fellows he had brought to witness the compromise. After removing her mask Quentin realized that this was plan old shy on the shelf Jane and not his beautiful Clarissa at all!! Quentin was horrified and shouted he would never marry her.
The story really begins here. I thought the story was surprisingly quite good. I had never read anything from Heather Cullman before and I was interested in seeing what else she has written and I fully intend to explore her other books. Her last book was in 2004 and then she disappears. Her books are still sold but I can find no details other then she lived in California with her husband.
I enthusiastically recommend "A Perfect Scoundrel" as one of your next reads. Happy Reading!
This is Jane Wentworth and Lord Quentin's story.
Lord Quentin was in love with Clarissa Edwardes.
Shy Jane Wentworth, Clarissa's step sister, was in love with Lord Quintin so when her step sister was ill and couldn't attend the masquerade ball, Jane was talked into attending dressed in Clarissa's costume.
Quentin felt he had no chance in winning Clarissa's hand in marriage and complained to his friend Oxley. Oxley came up with an idea of Quentin compromising Clarissa at the masquerade ball before any of the other suitors had an opportunity to ask for her hand. Quentin acknowledged 'The idea has merit' Quentin is the second son, jealous of his brother and a spoiled aristocrat. He felt he was above everyone and everyone should do as he demanded so he of course thought Clarissa would be thrilled with this plan in the end with him being such a handsome fellow.
At the ball Quentin encouraged Jane out to the gardens and Jane feeling so overwhelmed with joy at his attentions went along with him. Their kiss was unexpectedly wonderful until Oxley showed up with the fellows he had brought to witness the compromise. After removing her mask Quentin realized that this was plan old shy on the shelf Jane and not his beautiful Clarissa at all!! Quentin was horrified and shouted he would never marry her.
The story really begins here. I thought the story was surprisingly quite good. I had never read anything from Heather Cullman before and I was interested in seeing what else she has written and I fully intend to explore her other books. Her last book was in 2004 and then she disappears. Her books are still sold but I can find no details other then she lived in California with her husband.
I enthusiastically recommend "A Perfect Scoundrel" as one of your next reads. Happy Reading!
September 2, 2018
I enjoyed this, with caveats: one, the hero never groveled the way he needed to, after how he treated the heroine. Two, I dislike heroine-chases-hero storylines in general, and disliked it all the more in this book given how the hero treated her - she had no reason to think she could make him fall in love with her, especially given that he should have been begging her forgiveness. Still, overall a good read.
January 28, 2019
It started interesting. Actually, I was excited to read this book and then it fell flat.
The hero's transformation was instantaneous.
The heroine was too forgiving. I want more groveling.
I am just disappointed. But I like the writing style tho.
The hero's transformation was instantaneous.
The heroine was too forgiving. I want more groveling.
I am just disappointed. But I like the writing style tho.
January 20, 2025
Wish there was a less than 1 star. This book was awful. The only good thing was the parents. The hero and heroine are literally torture to read about. I gave it my best try because I was in a historical romance mood, and couldn't do it.
October 6, 2025
My Goodness this is an Amazing Book!
Heather wrote such an interesting and immensely wonderful story.
The characters are well written and grow so much during the course of the book, especially Quentin.
A must read book!
Heather wrote such an interesting and immensely wonderful story.
The characters are well written and grow so much during the course of the book, especially Quentin.
A must read book!
March 19, 2023
piece of shit worthless scrumpty dumpty musty bitch of a hero threatened to KILL THE HERIONE'S CATS.
October 29, 2025
3.5 stars
December 18, 2025
More nasty MMCs should get kidney stones.
September 27, 2015
Two different heroines. I swear it. At first, in the beginning of the book, she is vapid and silly - a complete doormat who falls in love with a complete toad (the hero is a complete asshole for the first half of the book - I kinda liked it). Even her internal monologues feel sickly sweet and make me wonder if she isn't in reality 13 instead of 24. She's dumb as a doornail. Here is a heroine that is so naive that she thinks a woman gets pregnant when a man uses his middle finger to plant a magic baby seed in a woman. Yeah - really. She obviously gets a reality check in a big way on her wedding night
This woman does a complete 180 and becomes an intelligent, clever and assertive woman (all because of being disillusioned by her husband - who she's not so sure she's in love with anymore.) Suddenly she's confident and she's lost all of her naivety. I don't buy that at all. Although she does revert just a bit when she quite suddenly forgives the hero for his dickhead behavior. (On a side note, the hero also has two personalities, which seem to show a bit more continuity, but the change is rather abrupt).
The bright side of this book is that it's not typical. It's less about the heroine finding love and more about the Hero growing up in the first place. And eventually it really does feel like they're in love and that she's his whole world. He grows tremendously as a character - I just wish the actual change had been a bit more drawn out.
This woman does a complete 180 and becomes an intelligent, clever and assertive woman (all because of being disillusioned by her husband - who she's not so sure she's in love with anymore.) Suddenly she's confident and she's lost all of her naivety. I don't buy that at all. Although she does revert just a bit when she quite suddenly forgives the hero for his dickhead behavior. (On a side note, the hero also has two personalities, which seem to show a bit more continuity, but the change is rather abrupt).
The bright side of this book is that it's not typical. It's less about the heroine finding love and more about the Hero growing up in the first place. And eventually it really does feel like they're in love and that she's his whole world. He grows tremendously as a character - I just wish the actual change had been a bit more drawn out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2015
Bitter turns to Sweet
Our supposed hero, Lord Quinton of the perfect face and Adonis physique, returns in Book 2 on the Somervilles. As before, he is still bitter and jealous of his older brother who he blames for all his unhappiness. Despite his looks and charm, he feels that no one would accept him because of his lack of title and small estate. He is in love with the seasons beauty and decides to compromise her as he cannot compete with her other suitors in status or finances. Very innocently her beloved stepsister becomes compromised instead.
For the first half of this book, Quinton is unbearable. He refuses to take responsibility for all of his bad feelings and actions. He blames Nicholas his brother; his father the Marquis; and poor Jane the wife he is stuck with, ignoring a miserable few flashes of insight.
But then comes the second half of this story. And it is a thing of beauty, as Quinton gradually transforms into the man he was meant to be. A very excellent tale. Just remember to keep reading till the end.
Our supposed hero, Lord Quinton of the perfect face and Adonis physique, returns in Book 2 on the Somervilles. As before, he is still bitter and jealous of his older brother who he blames for all his unhappiness. Despite his looks and charm, he feels that no one would accept him because of his lack of title and small estate. He is in love with the seasons beauty and decides to compromise her as he cannot compete with her other suitors in status or finances. Very innocently her beloved stepsister becomes compromised instead.
For the first half of this book, Quinton is unbearable. He refuses to take responsibility for all of his bad feelings and actions. He blames Nicholas his brother; his father the Marquis; and poor Jane the wife he is stuck with, ignoring a miserable few flashes of insight.
But then comes the second half of this story. And it is a thing of beauty, as Quinton gradually transforms into the man he was meant to be. A very excellent tale. Just remember to keep reading till the end.
Read
January 23, 2017Jane Wentworth is the older step-sister of Clarissa, the reigning London belle. Jane is also in love with Lord Quentin Somerville, who fancies himself in love with Rissa. When a misunderstanding puts them in a compromising position, they're forced to marry. Jane is excited, Quentin is horrified. After basically raping her on their wedding night, he sends her to his country estate which she finds in shambles. She starts fixing things and endearing herself to the people. When Quentin is banished to Little Duckington by his father, he's amazed at what he finds. Not only is Jane pregnant, friends with the peasants, but he finds her attractive, intelligent and very knowledgeable. Gradually he becomes a caring, concerned landlord and husband and all works out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2015
*I received this ARC via Netgalley*
A Perfect Scoundrel is a regency re-release that was originally published in 2000. The first part of this book was difficult to find a footing to like. Between the self-absorbed, drunken reprobate of a hero and the fawning, self-esteem lacking heroine it was hard to keep going with this work but I did and I am glad that I did. The second part of the book really took off and made for a story worth pursuing. The author did a good job of redeeming the hero and growing the heroine a spine. As a whole this novel definitely merits taking the time to explore.
A Perfect Scoundrel is a regency re-release that was originally published in 2000. The first part of this book was difficult to find a footing to like. Between the self-absorbed, drunken reprobate of a hero and the fawning, self-esteem lacking heroine it was hard to keep going with this work but I did and I am glad that I did. The second part of the book really took off and made for a story worth pursuing. The author did a good job of redeeming the hero and growing the heroine a spine. As a whole this novel definitely merits taking the time to explore.
July 10, 2015
***ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
Lord Quentin had very little to recommend him in the beginning save his physical appearance. Clarissa, while sweet was a doormat...in the beginning.
Time and good people help bring about maturity and strength in both. They learn together, teach each other and basically grow together - the makings of a good marriage after all.
While the time frame of all this growth is a little eyebrow raising, the characters were written well and you will empathize. All in all a good, inspiring read.
Lord Quentin had very little to recommend him in the beginning save his physical appearance. Clarissa, while sweet was a doormat...in the beginning.
Time and good people help bring about maturity and strength in both. They learn together, teach each other and basically grow together - the makings of a good marriage after all.
While the time frame of all this growth is a little eyebrow raising, the characters were written well and you will empathize. All in all a good, inspiring read.
September 14, 2016
I could have loved this book more, had the heroine had a spine. She is way too forgiving for my taste. Quentin was a complete bastard in treating her the way he did. He raped her for heaven's sake. Eventhough he turns out to be a better man in the end, I needed more grovel. He absolutely did nothing to earn her compassion in the first place. And he was an insolent arrogant bastard who couldn't see beyond his own self pity. Thank God for the power of love and people growing up.
3 Stars for forever and a day
3 Stars for forever and a day
January 16, 2016
This is my first book by this author and I love her writing so it will not be my last. Book does seem to back the Hero out to be pretty bad, but it part of the story which I don't mind. I found this book very good and could not put it down. I would say a must read and I too hope you love it like I did!
November 28, 2016
MAY BE CONSIDERED A SPOILER...
Really irritated that the H took no responsibility for his actions in the 'trap', and no one brought him to account for it. Affected my entire view of the story resulting in the low rating.
Really irritated that the H took no responsibility for his actions in the 'trap', and no one brought him to account for it. Affected my entire view of the story resulting in the low rating.
January 19, 2011
I really loved the first half..the hero was so imperfect yet likeable and funny..though the second half was predictable and boring..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews