Reviewer: Holly Three Nights with a Scoundrel by Tessa Dare
Series: Stud Club #3
Also in this series: One Dance with a Duke, Twice Tempted by a Rogue
Publication Date: July 27th 2010
Genres: Fiction
Pages: 368
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Series Rating:
In Tessa Dare’s dazzling new trilogy, the men of the Stud Club live and play by their own rules—until passion changes the game.
The bastard son of a nobleman, Julian Bellamy is now polished to perfection, enthralling the ton with wit and charm while clandestinely plotting to ruin the lords, ravish the ladies, and have the last laugh on a society that once spurned him. But after meeting Leo Chatwick, a decent man and founder of an elite gentlemen’s club, and Lily, Leo’s enchanting sister, Julian reconsiders his wild ways. And when Leo’s tragic murder demands that Julian hunt for justice, he vows to see the woman he secretly loves married to a man of her own class.
Lily, however, has a very different husband in mind.She’s loved Julian forever, adores the man beneath the rakish façade, and wants to savor the delicious attraction they share—as his wife. His insistence on marrying her off only reinforces her intent to prove that he is the only man for her. Obsessed with catching a killer, Julian sinks back to the gutters of his youth, forcing Lily to reach out with a sweet, reckless passion Julian can’t resist. Can her desire for a scoundrel save them both—or will dangerous secrets threaten more than their tender love?
From the Paperback edition.
I wasn’t sure what to think going into this novel. I wasn’t very impressed with Julian in either of the previous two books. He came across as angry, uncaring, selfish, vain and altogether a not-very-likable character. I vowed to have an open mind, but we all know how that is.
So it’s with great pleasure that I say I absolutely adored Julian.
When his best friend Leo was murdered, Julian Bellamy vowed two things; to find the murderers and bring them to justice and to see Leo’s sister, Lady Lily, settled into a good marriage. He loves Lily enough that he wants to see her settled with a man of her own class – something he can never be.
Lily is heartily sick and tired of Julian putting himself in danger by searching out her brother’s killers. No one wants justice for his murder than she, but not if it’s going to cost her Julian. He’s been her best friend as long as she can remember, and she doesn’t want him putting himself in danger. Lately he’s been like a man obsessed. He hardly eats, rarely sleeps and her concern for him grows more every day.
When he insists yet again that she marry, she agrees to return to society, but only if he accompanies her. He must give her three nights – escort her to three events – or she’ll quite happily retire to the country alone. For Julian, spending three nights with Lily is both heaven and hell. He longs for her, but knows he can never have her. It’s the worst sort of torture to be near her and know she can never be his.
Lily is deaf. It’s very hard for her to go out into society. She can read lips very well, but in a social setting it’s very hard for her to keep up. She also has no desire to marry. She’s content with her life. Until she realizes she can have more, that is. Then she decides to risk it all on Julian. I really loved how strong she was. She didn’t shy away from the truth of her feelings and she wasn’t afraid to put herself out there. She was happy to try new things, or go on adventures, or put her heart on the line. She was very refreshing.
Julian is the bastard son of a nobleman. He grew up dirt poor in one of the worst parts of town. He isn’t good enough for Lily. He knows that. I think this was one area where Julian was very honest with himself. He truly wanted to see her settled with someone of her own class. Someone who would treat her well and allow her to attend social functions and be accepted in society. He was very selfless in that area.
One of the things that frustrated me about the previous novel, Twice Tempted by a Rogue was that the class differences between the hero and heroine weren’t fully explored. That wasn’t the case here. Julian really thought about what it would mean for Lily to be with him.
I expected to be annoyed by Julian, or to have his insistence that Lily marry be too much. But instead I sympathized with him and adored him. He really only wanted what was best for her. In so many novels the hero thinks, “Damn the consequences!” and while that can be very exciting, it’s also not very realistic. Dare really showcased just how much Julian truly cared for Lily, in actions rather than words.
“Julian,” she said huskily, “you were right the other morning. You know me so well. I’m not made for illicit affaires, all that sneaking around to avoid discovery.” In the dark, her hands crept up to his shoulders, then his face. Her finger teased through his hair. “Why should we hide at all? Let all London see us together. I don’t care what anyone says or thinks. I love you, and I want the world to know.”
He wanted to weep. For joy, for frustration. She was so brave, his beautiful Lily, and the situation was so damned unfair. It wasn’t her fault that she made these heartrending declarations at a moment when their lives were probably in danger and he couldn’t possibly reciprocate. That fault was his, for choosing to live the way he had and making the decisions he’d made. He didn’t deserve her, didn’t deserve her love. He most certainly didn’t merit those warm brushes of her lips against his skin. But damned if he could bring himself to stop them.
“We’re in love, Julian. Isn’t it wonderful?”
“No,” he murmured as she kissed him again. “It’s not wonderful. It’s a disaster.”
Her lips grazed his jaw, then his throat. “I can feel you speaking, and I know you’re probably making some valiant protest. But you know I can’t hear those words. Your body is making an altogether different argument, and I’m listening to it.” Her fingers crept inside his waistcoat, splaying over the thin lawn of his shirt. “Take your heart, for example.”
Yes, take it. Take it and keep it, always.
The problem wasn’t with them being in love. It’s obvious from the beginning that Julian cares for her and it isn’t long before Lily realizes she loves him as well. The problem is that Julian isn’t good enough.
You see I’ve mentioned this several times. He’s not good enough for her. Though I understand, and appreciate, the class differences between them and why Julian wanted better for Lily, it was harped on a bit too much. Julian constantly pushes Lily away because he isn’t good enough. It became too much for me, especially near the end.
He also had a major secret he kept from her, almost until the last page. Why he kept it from her is beyond me. His insistence that he had to be “Good” for her and that she was “everything” to him frustrated me. The good news is, it also frustrated Lily. She didn’t let him get away with much, including keeping her in the dark.
Despite my frustrations with Julian and his need to protect Lily from herself, I have to say this was my favorite of the trilogy. I adored the overall storyline and the beautiful romance. Each character brought out the best in the other. I was truly wrapped up in them, my heart and mind fully engaged.
4.5 out of 5
The Series:
One Dance with a Duke
Twice Tempted by a Rogue
Three Nights with a Scoundrel
Would you like to win a copy of Three Nights with a Scoundrel? Leave a comment on this post telling me why you want to win before 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 6th, and you’ll be entered.
This book is available from Ballantine. You can buy it here
I’m not too crazy about historicals, but this one sounds like one I need to read.
Thanks!
TNWAS sounds like a delightful book!
I’ve heard so many good things about Tessa’s books I have them all (but this one) on the shelves. Would love to win it to make the set complete 😉
The first two entries in Tessa’s “Stud Club Trilogy” have been delightful, and Julian sounds just delicious! I’d love to know all about this scoundrel : )
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Tessa’s book sounds good. I love historicals.
Please enter me. I’d like to read this because I love historicals and this one sounds great.
Thanks,
iheartabba at gmail dot com
I haven’t read a Tessa Dare book before — but after reading this review, I’m intrigued and eager to do so! This particular story sounds good, especially since the heroine is strong and smart.
Top 5 reasons why I woudl like to win:
5.)Tessa Dare is an author I’ve heard a lot about and this stud club trilogy sounds really good.
4.)I am a shameless bookaholic and the prospect of adding to my collection is temptation too much.
3.)I’ve just gotten One Dance With A Duke in the mail the other day and if I like it, my OCD will kick in and I’ll NEED to complete the series (this copy would get me 75% there..umm,I think…you know, I never was that good at math)
2.)The cover is stunning and I would like to admire it in real life =D (a.k.a practice kissing on the male model)
and finally, the number 1 reason why I would like Three Nights with a Scoundrel:
1.) it’s purple, and that’s one of my favorite colors!
so you see the serendipity of it all, right? knew you would! Anyway, hope I win and if I don’t best of luck to everyone else =D
I read the first one and would like to discover if Julian finally gives into his feelings.
I have adored all of Tessa Dare’s books so far. I would love to win this one.
Why I should win it — well, I have the first two, but I haven’t read them yet, because I prefer reading series released in a row all together, so I can’t read the first two without the third! 🙂
Lois
OV_099@yahoo.com
Never read this genre before, would be a good time to give it a go.
I have the first book and I want to have all the books in this series, so I can read them all together. I am also a student and my budget is sometimes limited.
I read the first book and loved it! I would absolutely love to read this one. I like that Lily is deaf and still a very strong character as I am losing my hearing too.
oooh! pick me! I live in Dublin and can’t wait to read it! I adore your novels and have heard the best things but must wait (whimper). Loved reading about you and Courtney and all the other ladies at RWA!
Maire
Oh, I have loved all of Tessa’s books so far. All on my keeper shelves. And I can’t wait for Julian’ s story!
I read the second book and I loved it. It is much grittier than most other historicals, and the characters have actual problems and troubles, not just things like a ruined reputation or something – something that for us is hard to relate to. And I’d be happy to read about Julian’s “redemption”, because he does come across as a bit unlikeable in Twice Tempted By A Rogue.
Count me in! I adored GotH but haven’t got round to reading any of her other books, yet. This sounds great!
I’m enjoying this series and I liked your review. Your conclusion that “each character brought out the best in the other” is such a sweet reminder of why we read romance and hope for a real-life HEA. Thanks for the chance to win the book.
Interesting. You’ve hit on all my concerns about Julian’s book, and yet also reassured me about them at the same time. Plus winning is awesome and adds an extra layer of fondness. Just saying. So please enter me!
ElizabethRyann (at) Gmail (dot) com.
I have read the other 2 books and would love to win this one to read, too.
I would like to win because I have read all of her other books and I adore her stories. She is an amazing author and I will continue to read anything she writes forever. 🙂
Paigeray23 at yahoo dot com
I enjoyed Tessa Dare’s first trilogy and am waiting for my order of One Dance with a Duke ot arrive. Am looking very forward to reading it! Would love to win the third book. I am really glad the trilogy has gotten great reviews – means lots of good reading ahead!
I’d love to read about a heroine with a disability she had to overcome…it’s not easy now, and it must’ve been even harder back then.
I’d like to win cos I read her book Goddess of the Hunt and it was one of the best HR I have read, and I do wanna read more
I’d love to win a copy of this to round out the trilogy. I’ve only read Goddess of the Hunt so far but was majorly impressed. I have all of Tessa’s other books on my TBR.
This sounds wonderful! I love the scarred, tortured, outcast hero and in this case it sounds like the heroine as well. Two people you can love and cheer on to the finish line convention and society be damned!!…annhonATaolDOTcom
Love historicals! Would love to read this one. I want to win!! Pick me, please!
Love Tessa Dare so I would love to win this fabulous book!
Well, first, two words: Tessa Dare.
But if that’s not enough? ’cause I’m a greedy, greedy reader and want, want, want, this one too.
I’ve read the first two and need the third! I want to know if Julian really deserved Lily and whether she should accept him.
ironss[at]gmail.com
Why wouldn’t I want a new Tessa Dare book? Plus it would complete the trilogy.
Tessa Dare fan! Just finished reading the first book in the Stud Club series, will soon read the second and would love to win the third!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
This sounds like a great book – I’d love to read this
msboatgal at aol.com
I love historical romances and would like to read this. Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
misusedinnocence@aol.com
i love historical romance and this one sounds a little different than most. i would love to win a copy!
meaghan_koci (at) yahoo (dot) com
I loved Tessa’s first trilogy and can’t wait to read her Stud Club series.
I love historicals and this one sounds like a great read.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’m a big big fan of historical romance.And would love to read this book.peg360@hotmail.com
I’ve never read a book by this author–though all of her books sound amaing and I should really get on that– and I can’t wait to read this one! I want to win it because I want to read it 🙂
Why i want to win ? because i haven’t read any Tessa’s books before, and hope this is my chance to start reading her books 🙂
I loved Goddess of the Hunt and have been wanting to read this new series.
I would like to win because I like Tessa Dare’s books, and this on sounds really good. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
I would love to win this since I have the first in this series and would gladly buy the second if I won the third! And it would give me an excuse to finally start this series.
crystalfulcher(at)ec.rr.com
I’ve read and enjoyed Tessa’s other releases prior to this series and have really enjoyed them.I have the 1st two books in this one in my tbrs stack and would love this one so I can read all 3 at once :)!
Pam S
pams00@aol.com
I would love to win Three Nights with a Scoundrel because Tessa Dare is a fantastic writer. I loved her first trilogy and I need this last one in the new Stud Club trilogy.
I love, love, this story line. I enjoy the wit and sassy come backs between the heroine and hero and the final fall of the hero to the heroine. I am a introvert, and tho I would love to come back with smart remarks I am to shy to do so. Darn it..lol but I love it when the heroine gives the hero a hard time but then they finally get together and HEA. sigh..
I would love to win Three Nights With A Scoundrel and start reading ASAP. I know I will laugh at some of the come backs and I love to laugh. Humor in books is great.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com