Review: 4.5 stars, A keeper
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 19, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the second installment in the Evan’s Libertine Scholars Club.  This book is good as the first in the series.Sebastian Hawkstone is a rake and a rogue and completely commitment shy.  He never has any long term love affairs and he is seemingly happy to pursue his pleasures without the entanglement of emotions.  His parents claimed to have a loving relationship but all they did was scandalize the entire ton with their escapades and affairs.  Sebastian wants no deep emotions other than the love he has for his sisters and friends.Sebastian has been languishing in the Caribbean for months after a duel with a young man ended badly.  He escaped possible repercussions but is now home feeling good to be back in England but decidedly guilty about the duel.Beatrice Hennessey is the sister of the duelist that challenged Sebastian.  Since the duel, her family has become impoverished and she holds Sebastian squarely responsible for her impecunious state.  She has only one other marriage offer, mainly because she is nicknamed Henpecked Hennessey by the ton and she is already twenty- five.  She loathes the man who has offered for her, knowing he is a complete reprobate.  Her only hope is to convince Sebastian that he should step in and save the family and Sebastian being an honorable man is willing to do so.This couple is emotional which is ironic as they have sworn to have only mutual respect and friendship between them.  Suddenly they are filled with impassioned feelings and jealousy and possessiveness and self doubt.  Somehow their feelings have been engaged and neither quite knows how it happened.  Both are charming in their own way; Sebastian is honorable and a bit selfish but his vulnerability makes him endearing.  Beatrice is bold and brave and keeping secrets (which I found the weakest part of this story along with the too modern dialogue).This couple does not allow too much miscommunication to boil over into their story.  They know how to forgive and are willing to apologize.  They don’t allow too much obstinacy to stand in their way of happiness.  Some of the best moments in this story are when the leads realize their actions have been hurtful and ask for forgiveness from each other.Added into this romance is a continuing mystery from the first novel;  who is attempting to assassinate and discredit the Libertines.  This riddle only added to this wonderful story and I look forward to the next installment in this series.