Sandy M’s Review of The Scandalously Bad Mr. Milroy (Bedagraynes, Book 2) by Alexandra Hawkins
Historical Romance published by St. Martin’s Paperbacks 1 Nov 13
I am thoroughly enjoying this Bedegrayne family. Therefore, I’m hoping updated versions of the last two books will be forthcoming soon. Now that I’ve gotten to know Devona and Wynne, older brother Brock totally intrigues me, and after reading about the trauma Devona’s friend Lady A’Court goes through in this book, I’m really looking forward to her finding love as well as peace and safety. There’s never a moment’s idleness in this series, that’s for sure.
Wynne is neck deep in her charity that helps those who need it most, and this time it’s a young girl whose father is about to sell her into prostitution. Hoping the crowded fight going on nearby will be a distraction as they make their way to a getaway boat, Wynne and her charge nearly make it. But the girl’s angry sire doesn’t like intervention in his family, and he lets Wynne know it. Literally dragging her away to God knows where to do God knows what to her is when rescue comes in the form of Mr. Milroy, champion fighter.
Keanan is the bastard son of the Duke of Rekester and has been ignored by the man his entire life. He’s made a good living as a pugilist, so much so this is his last fight; he’s on to the next stage in his life. That’s when he takes on the jerk who is beating up a woman, and that’s a huge no-no in Keanan’s book. Taking care of the man with ease, Keanan returns only to find the beauty he rescued gone. Without a thank you. So he makes it his business to find out who she is, and discovers they have something in common – his half-brother Drake. What a way to vex his sibling, by taking the woman he’s thinking of marrying. But what starts out as a type of revenge turns into something so much more for Keanan.
Having refused all suitors for some time, Wynne’s reaction to Keanan takes her by surprise. Because of the depth of her feeling after spending time with him, deciding to give herself to him is the next step, and Keanan is more than happy to take whatever she’s willing to give. It’s that giving that makes Keanan reassess what he truly feels for Wynne. I love the scenes between these two, whether it’s soft and sweet, arguing, or making love. They’re intense, real, and happy – well, most of the time. Keanan knows Wynne is keeping something from him, and he’s determined to find out what that is. Those are moments that require trust, and both of them are just learning how to extend that particular aspect of their relationship.
Keanan’s father is a real piece of work – gambling the family’s fortune away, despite Drake doing everything he can to counteract the damage. There is a definite twist I didn’t see coming when the earl finally confronts Keanan, and then Keanan himself twists the plot even further when least expected. I like the delicate camaraderie the brothers reach when an unforeseen danger comes for Wynne. There’s some terrific suspense-filled scenes when Keanan finally gets to her. I’m actually quite sorry Drake doesn’t get his own story. I really like the guy a lot.
Even though I’m anxious to read the next two books, this is one of those series that you read too fast and it’s over, then lament the fact there isn’t anymore. But the Bedegraynes are definitely worth it. They deliver on all levels, and I highly recommend you get to know them soon.
Grade: A
Summary:
Sometimes a scandalously bad man can be oh, so good. . .
Meet Wynne Bedegrayne—destined for spinsterhood. Her beauty and charm mean nothing when her intelligence frightens off every suitor, and even her charitable work with the Benevolent Sisterhood leads her into scrapes no sensible man would condone. Then Wynne finds herself the object of Keanan Milroy’s dedicated courtship. The celebrated pugilist may be lowborn, but his character is above reproach…and the passion he awakens within her is irresistible.
But when Wynne learns that Keanan’s seduction may be motivated by something less pure than desire, she resolves to teach him a lesson. If nobility is a matter of behavior rather than blood, then she’ll risk everything to teach Keanan that he is a gentleman at heart. And that nothing is more honorable than love…
Read an excerpt.
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