Review: Scoundrel by Zoe Archer
The Blades of the Rose are sworn to protect the sources of magic in the world. But the work is dangerous—and they can’t always protect their own…
READY FOR ACTION…
London Harcourt’s father is bent on subjugating the world’s magic to British rule. But since London is a mere female, he hasn’t bothered to tell her so. He’s said only that he’s leading a voyage to the Greek isles. No matter, after a smothering marriage and three years of straitlaced widowhood, London jumps at the opportunity—unfortunately, right into the arms of Bennett Day.
RISKING IT ALL…
Bennett is a ladies’ man, when he’s not dodging lethal attacks to protect the powers of the ancients from men like London’s father. Sometimes, he’s a ladies’ man even when he is dodging them. But the minute he sees London he knows she will require his full attention. The woman is lovely, brilliant, and the only known speaker of a dialect of ancient Greek that holds the key to calling down the wrath of the gods. Bennett will be risking his life again—but around London, what really worries him is the danger to his heart…
If you like steampunk, you’re in luck. If you’ve ever wondered if you’d like it, you have a prime opportunity to find out with Zoe Archer’s latest book, Scoundrel. The theme is not the usual fare for a period piece, because she makes it incredibly exciting, breathtakingly fast, and mixes in enough romance and heat to keep you up at night turning pages.
Set in the late 1800’s, she offers a fascinating look at British society and what it meant to be a woman during that time – sheltered, protected, ignored, and excluded from anything that might make use of her intelligence. But the heroine, London Harcourt, isn’t one to let her brain go to waste. Rather than stagnate, she teaches herself all manner of languages.
Her father treats her like an imbecile even though she’s widowed and living in her own home, but upon learning she can translate ancient Greek he has no qualms about using her abilities for his evil purposes.
Enter Bennett Day, the quintessential good guy/hunk. He never met a lady he didn’t love – some more than once. He sets his cap for London and refuses to take no for an answer. He knows the score with her father, having battled his operatives for years, but that doesn’t deter him from pursuing her.
We watch as he tries to convince himself she’s just another notch on his belt, but finally has to accept the fact that he’s smitten. Big time.
The gadgets Bennett uses to maneuver out of one scrape after another are worthy of Maxwell Smart (for those of you who remember the TV show or movie ‘Get Smart.’). He enthusiastically embraces life and his enthusiasm is contagious. We watch as he and London tentatively explore their friendship only to be torn apart by secrets revealed.
With the utmost patience, Bennett gives her space to make her own decisions, learn her strengths and weaknesses, and blossom into brilliant womanhood. During this journey of self-discovery, London falls in love with him despite knowing he’s her father’s greatest enemy. And so she must choose between obeying her father or her heart.
The love scenes range from tender to fiery hot so be sure to keep something handy to quench your thirst. The action scenes will have you on the edge of your chair, and when love is finally acknowledged by both parties, it’s funny and poignant and will melt your heart. Monkeys in hats indeed! (You have to read the book to find out what that means!)
Zoe has once again delivered the goods. If you’re searching for romance, action, or intrigue this should be on your reading list for sure.
The Blade of Roses
Warrior-September 1, 2010
Scoundrel-October 1, 2010
Rebel-November 1, 2010
Stranger-December 1, 2010
Find Zoe Archer: Website | |
This book was given to PBD for review by Zoe Archer.
This looks really good.I will have to add this one to.
Fantastic review Mona!
Thank you so much for this recommendation. I've been looking for more steampunk novels to read. :D Unfortunately, since the genre isn't as well known or popular I'm rather frustrated in finding some good reads. It's much appreciated.