Fool Me Twice / That Scadalous Summer - Rules for the Reckless This is the 2nd book in the Rules of the Reckless series of Meredith Duran's, the 0.5 being Your Wicked Heart (novella) and the first being That Scandalous Summer. I received this book from Netgalley and decided I should read the first two books...well the novella was a complete waste as only a couple of names are mentioned in Fool Me Twice. It was fine, but really not something I would recommend reading before you die. However, That Scandalous Summer was well worth reading. I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the relationship that developed between Elizabeth and Michael. They had a steamy attraction and the "can't be together" angst that was heart wrenching. I loved it! Elizabeth was such a strong heroine too that she is up there now on the list of top heroines. [spoiler][/spoiler]Little did I know that Elizabeth's secretary would be the heroine in Fool Me Twice. Olivia is on a mission and finds herself in Alastair's, Michael's depressed twin, employ. He has found himself in deep, deep melancholy over his deceased wife's deception. Olivia has plans. Olivia is also super strong and Alastair is just as strong. They are kind of lost souls but where Olivia has channeled her strife into strength, Alastair has retreated into himself. He seems to study her like a scientist who's discovered a brand new species - he wants to understand what makes her tick. He takes her on as a project while wanting to dominate her and squash her like a bug - take her down a couple notches.Of course, that doesn't work at all. It does seem rather improbable that they will end up together...but they do find happiness after all. I liked Michael and Elizabeth's story better than this one, however this one is good. I am a huge (new) Meredith Duran fan and look forward to reaching more of her books. A good, well written story, I really enjoyed it. Set in 1885, Greece, Amanda is working as a secretary. But that is all about to change, you see. She is recently engaged to Viscount Ripton. But they had to be discreet, so his family didn't learn of his intentions toward her. She was a "nobody" after all. She doesn't bring a fancy title to this relationship. But on the day they were to marry and set sail as husband and wife, she waits and waits for him as instructed, but he doesn't show. When she goes to his hotel to find him, fearing that he has been injured, or worse, she finds herself being accused of fraud. By the "real" Viscount Tipton. Spencer believes that Amanda has targeted him and is not forgiving. He calls her a criminal and decides to take her to the consul. But as she begins to describe her betrothed, Spencer begins to suspect that she may be describing his wayward cousin. So he kidnaps her instead, under the guise of locating the imposter. Because if it is his cousin, he will need to manage the scandal. He drags her, unwillingly, onto a ship, thinking they can catch up to the imposter who was seen boarding a different ship earlier that day. Needless to say, they don't like one another. But a few days on a ship together..... well..... maybe things will change. It is fun to read, while they work through their misconceptions. And just about the time they might, guess who shows up. Then things get really interesting."You should see the doctor," she said through her teeth. "While you're at it, ask him to cure the rot between you ears."
What do You think about Pérfido Corazón (2000)?
An excellent Meredith Duran - one of the best historical romance writers, in my view.
—kati
