Some books stay with you when you're finished. This one does. The H and h were so compelling for me, I became so invested in their relationship and the outcome of the story that I was torn between finishing or waiting to finish, I wanted the HEA, but knew I would miss this couple. I enjoyed the book very much, its story is quite different from others I've read, and there is certainly room for further in the series. The H is a powerful politician, the h a clever but repressed young lady. To avoid a forced marriage to her cousin the h obtained a false marriage certificate to the H, as he lay on his deathbed. He did not die, but he does awake with amnesia, and a newly found conscience. Formerly corrupt and manipulative, he is a new man. The story follows his new path and her assistance, even as she fears he'll remember. It's a complicated story with many twists, but an excellent one. Highly recommend!

'A Lady's Code of Misconduct' by Meredith Duran this is book 5 in the "Rules for the Reckless"series. This is the story of Crispin and Jane. I have not yet read the other books in this series so for me this was a standalone book.
Jane lost her parents about six years ago and is living with her Aunt, Uncle and Cousin. In additon, Jane is a heiress. Jane's Uncle keeps strict control over her and now plans to marry her to his son / her cousin. But Jane doesn't want that at all...so she comes up with a plan which involved Crispin.
Cripsin was working to somewhat help her to learn how to get a grip on her uncle but then Crispin was injured. Now he lost some of his memory but Jane has claimed to be married to him when she thought he was dying. Cripsin is really a hard feeling person at first but love hopeful will slowly change that.
Really enjoyed this book!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."

Publisher's Description:

The next steamy historical romance in USA TODAY bestselling and RITA award-winning author Meredith Duran’s “wonderfully indulgent” (Publishers Weekly) Rules for the Reckless series.

A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL...
Trapped in the countryside, facing an unwanted marriage and the theft of her fortune, Jane Mason is done behaving nicely. To win her freedom, she’ll strike a deal with the most dangerous man she knows—a rising star in politics, whose dark good looks mask an even darker heart.

...NEVER GOES TO PLAN.
The bitter past has taught Crispin Burke to trust no one. He’ll gladly help a lovely young heiress, provided she pays a price. Yet when a single mistake shatters his life, it is Jane who holds the key to his salvation. And in a world that no longer makes sense, Crispin slowly realizes that she may be the only thing worth fighting for...

My Thoughts:
In this compelling fifth book of the Rules for the Reckless series we find a man with lofty political ambitions and a young woman who has lost her immediate family and is at the mercy of an unscrupulous uncle and aunt who want nothing more than to take everything she has from her.
His ambitious nature leads to an attempted murder of our Hero. When our Heroine hears of his injuries and his expected demise she concocts a scheme. She tells his family they are married since she believes him to be on his death bed. She even has forged documentation of their supposed marriage. Her marriage will also prevent her relatives from taking everything from her.
When he unexpectedly survives his injuries she must proceed with the farce. Since he has amnesia he has no notion that they are not really married.
Will he remember what is real and what is not and will our hero and heroine still find their way to their Happily Ever After?
This story of intrigue and romantic suspense is in this readers opinion the best yet of this series. I could not put it down once I started reading it.
I gave this book 4.75 of 5 stars for character development and storyline. It gets a sensual rating of 4.5 of 5 flames. The love scenes are both sexy and sweet.
Although I did not care for the entire series it is probably better if you read them in order. I however found this one can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone title.
I received both a paperback and digital complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I voluntarily reviewed.

I had read a novella from this author was a bit excited to get the chance to read a new book.

I liked Jane. She's smart and witty and in a crappy, but normal situation for a woman of that time. Crispin was dark and cocky and easy to like. Especially when he wakes up. And I just I adored their banter together...

...and without that, I started to lose interest. One of the main plot points revolved around politics and that was extraordinarily boring to me. I wanted just the two of them, as much as possible. I did enjoy the conflict and reading them figure things out. I especially loved getting POV from both of them.

Overall, parts of the story were quite dry, but the characters more than made up for it. I'll definitely be looking for other titles.

**Huge thanks to Pocket Books for the invite to read**

Meredith Duran is one of my favorite authors, because her stories are thought-provoking, complex and deeply romantic, and her characters are always finely layered and captivating. A Lady’s Code of Misconduct has all this and more, and you will be enthralled by this emotional story and its hero - Crispin Burke.

Crispin is a jerk, and there is just no other way to describe him. He has lofty political ambitions - he wants to be the Prime Minister - and he is singularly ruthless in his quest to achieve his goals. He masterfully manipulates people for political gain and has earned a reputation for being cold-blooded. Opponents fear him and know to stay out of his way or get trampled in his rise to power, and one of these bystanders caught in his crosshairs is Jane Mason.

Jane’s uncle and guardian is one of Crispin’s closest and most unsavory political allies. He's controlled Jane’s large inheritance since she was orphaned, and he has no desire to let her money go. He’s kept her isolated and under his thumb treating her with disdain. Now he wants her to wed his son in order to permanently claim her fortune, but Jane has had enough and seeks a way out. She must marry to gain control of her money; therefore, she sets out to run away and enter a marriage of convenience but her plans are thwarted. Unfortunately, her failed plans leave her indebted to Crispin, and he seizes the opportunity for his own gain.


Crispin asks Jane to spy on her uncle and bring him information in exchange for his assistance in securing a husband and freedom. Jane fulfills her promise and is waiting for Crispin to deliver on his when he is brutally attacked and seriously injured. He’s in a comma and no one thinks he will survive, but he miraculously does. When he does he wake up, he has no memories of the last few years and he has a wife - Jane.

I do not usually enjoy an amnesia plot, but Ms. Duran crafted a smart and remarkable take on this often overused trope. It is fascinating to see how a man like Crispin will react when his slate is wiped clean and how his relationship with Jane will play out. Politics dominate much of this story and Jane and Crispin’s relationship, and the political issues explored are interesting and adds more depth to A Lady’s Code of Misconduct. This is a historical romance that offers an original story, fascinating characters and an emotional romance, and another testament to Ms. Duran’s exceptional talent. - Harlequin Junkie

That description really doesn’t give you an idea about this book, and I’m not about to take any of the delight in finding out away from you. This is a most unique plot, there is amnesia, bribery, greed and sensual delights. Our heroine, Jane, is an orphan in the care of her greedy, overbearing uncle. She strikes a bargain with a villain, Crispin, and from there uses her wits to outwit those after her fortune. Of course there are twists and turns ahead. We long for some hero redemption and heroine comfort. What we are given is a page turning, can’t-put-it-down story of action and love. The backdrop of political machinations gives this plot a timely appeal.
This book is number five in the series but don’t let that deter you. You can read this as a standalone without any problems. But it will make you want to read more from this wonderful author.
(5-stars)