A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT is Book four in Anna Campbell's Sons of Sin series. Even though I'm able to read and enjoy A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT without having read all of the previous books, I think most people would enjoy it more reading this series in the correct order. There are several characters from previous books that make appearances in A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT and they discuss things that happened in those other books. The main source of conflict between the hero and heroine in A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT is due to the evil deeds of a villain from earlier in the series.

Nell Trim is a classic heroine. Spurred to action after hearing her sister -- on her deathbed -- name the man that ruined her and broke her heart, Nell finds herself in the employ of James Fairbrother, Marquess of Leath -- much to his surprise and consternation. Nell is looking for what she believes is proof that James is the scoundrel her late sister named to be. James is not that man. Nell befuddles, bewitches and eventually enchants James. It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. The amazing irony, for me, is that Nell believes James is the worst sort of monster when in reality he is all things a hero should be -- sexy, kindhearted, hard-working, and good to his mother. After reading A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT, James Fairbrother is one of my all-time favorite historical heroes.

Nell Trim is a little reminiscent of Jane Eyre -- proud, full of purpose and with very definite ideas about what she believes is right and wrong. I'm glad this story is told from both points of view. Having access to the thoughts of both characters helps the reader understand them better and make them more sympathetic. Without having that extra insight into Nell's way of thinking, I think she would seem a little too unyielding for me. However, the romance that develops between Nell and James is powerful and I couldn't stop reading their story.

A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT is a gripping story with a heavenly hero. The danger provided by the villain highlights the strong feelings that James and Nell have for each other. This is one of those books that will make you lose some sleep to finish. I look forward to the next book by Anna Campbell.

Book Summary

Anything can happen in the moonlight . . .

Justice. That's all Nell Trim wants-for her sister and for the countless other young women the Marquess of Leath has ruined with his wildly seductive ways. Now she has a bold plan to take him down . . . as long as she can resist the scoundrel's temptations herself.

From the moment Nell meets James Fairbrother, the air positively sizzles. Yet for all his size and power, there's something amazingly tender in his touch. Could he really be such a depraved rogue? The only way to find out is to beat the devil at his own game . . . one tempting kiss at a time.

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