Escape with a Scoundrel

Escape with a Scoundrel #1

by Shelly Thacker

Why would a sensible, refined lady run away with a notorious scoundrel?

Miss Samantha Delafield is a clever aristocrat who has run into a little trouble with the law. Nicholas Brogan is an ex-outlaw with years of sin branded on his soul. Captured by His Majesty's marshals, the two are being carted off to prison when they stage a daring escape and run for their lives—linked together by an iron chain that quickly proves unbreakable. Lost in a remote forest in Staffordshire, the mismatched pair must work together to survive, and soon find themselves locked in a battle of fierce wills…and fiery passions.

Escape from the ballroom in this exciting and addictive series! If you love STEAMY historical romances with daring heroines, sinfully hot heroes and breathtaking danger, discover why readers are raving about Shelly Thacker’s Escape with a Scoundrel Series!

An earlier edition of this novel was published by Avon Books under the title Hearts Run Wild. This new Author’s Preferred Edition has been revised by the author.

The Escape with a Scoundrel Series
Daring ladies tangle with dashing lords who are on the wrong side of the law in these dazzling, addictive novels. Each book is a stand-alone steamy historical romance. The Scoundrels series can be enjoyed in any order, so dive in wherever you like and escape today!
Book 1: ESCAPE WITH A SCOUNDREL (Nicholas and Samantha)
Book 2: HER SCOUNDREL EARL (Marcus and Elizabeth)
Book 3: ONE NIGHT WITH A SCOUNDREL (Saxon and Ashiana)
Book 4: A SCOUNDREL’S KISS (Max and Marie)

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Pirates, Historical Fiction, Ebooks, Regency

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 1996

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Shelly Thacker has earned lavish praise from Publishers Weekly, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Detroit Free Press and The Oakland Press, who have called her historical romance novels “innovative,” “addictive,” “steamy” and “powerful.”

A two-time RWA RITA Award finalist, Shelly has won numerous other honors for her novels, including a National Readers' Choice Award, several Romantic Times Certificates of Excellence, and five straight KISS Awards for her outstanding heroes. The Detroit Free Press has twice placed her romances on their annual list of the year's best.

When she’s not at the computer, you’ll find Shelly reading with her kids, knitting in local cafes, or kickboxing at the gym. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and two daughters. For the latest news and sneak previews of upcoming books, visit her at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorShellyT... or http://www.shellythacker.com

Reviews

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the revised e-book version, titled Run Wild. From what I gleaned from the author's note at the end of the book - she made a lot of changes to the book. So if you are
Considering reading the book based on reviews - make sure you know which version was reviewed before deciding!

I found this book delightful! Both the Samantha AND Nick are scoundrels! I read a review where the reviewer said she quit reading at 4% - her loss, because at 11% I totally fell in love with this book! When the heroine calls for the guard - I was expecting a typical sweet virgin lady trying to right a horrible wrong and got totally blindsided by a scoundrel! Loved it! First I was shocked and then I started cracking up - I love it when an author goes rouge and surprises me!

Definitely a must read book for those who love tortured heroes (& heroines) I am looking forward to the next one!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a treat to read! I liked the premise: Two prisoners who are chained together and can't stand each other - are on the run. This is a wonderful story on the power of redemption, as well as a well-written romance about two abused, broken, cynical, lost souls who - during their harrowing escape and run from the law - open up and basically re-learn how to trust, love, and hold onto their humanity.
Samantha - the heroine - had an awful backstory. The hero Nicholas's past was like something from the fiery bowels of Dante's Inferno! Both characters appeared to have suffered from what we know today as PTSD. To me, the central theme of the story was the fact that the H/h were able to overcome their physical and emotional hardships, which made their realistic happily-ever-after especially sweet. And to have Nicholas take a former enemy into his fold was an added bonus, which again - highlighted the power of forgiveness and redemption.

I know that I'm one to harp on the tastelessness of sex scenes in many of the books I've read; I have to say that while there were steamy sex scenes in this story, they were tastefully executed - without a crude co--,cu--, or pu--- word anywhere. Yah! If anything, some were maybe a bit too flowery...lol. Just the same - I prefer flowery descriptions over smutty ones.

And a note to the cover creator(s): If there are models used, it would make sense to try to get them to match the characters in the books... Nicholas is suppose to have a big black pirate's beard. lol!
All in all - a great read, which has prompted me to look into more of this author's work! 4.5 stars!

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun adventure book that had me smiling almost the entire time. From the very first moment our MCs met, I knew this book would be good! I legit laughed out loud when our heroine straight up tried to throw the hero under the bus and make her escape- she was ruthless! They were both ruthless and made a great calculating couple. I did knock a star off because I wanted the author to spend a little more time explaining how our heroine fell for the hero… it did seem just a tad rushed. Either way, this is definitely a book I’ll re-read in the future.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story from the start. Nicholas became a pirate to fulfill his quest for revenge for the injustices he faced as a child, until an unfortunate incident made him change his ways. Six years later, a call from the past forces him to come out of hiding. Samantha is a runaway thief who has been living on her own since she escaped her uncle's abuse when she was a teenager. They meet for the first time in a country jail. They are shackled to each other with iron chains and transported to London, where they must face the charges against them. On the way, they escape (chains and all) and their adventure begins. Both are criminals with a bounty on their heads, mistreated as children, and lonely. Nicholas is a great ex-pirate full of remorse, and Sam is smart and loving. Their love story flows as they discover that something stronger than iron chains is what truly binds them.

[~Mrs.~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, 1. When am I truly going to learn not to judge a book by its cover? 2. Thank God for someone posting a great review about this on book lovers day! This book totally took my by surprise. It has romance, action, humor, and two amazing characters that I fell in love with. This author gave me an even better ending I was hoping for but I was still sad to say "good bye" to these characters I became so fond of. I will definitely read more of her books! :-)

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! Not my typical read. Two convicts chained together and have to work together. I wish the hr villian got his comeuppance. The story had a nice moral lessonat the end. Strange I wouldn't have read it if it had not been free. Glad I did!!

[Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://badbirdreads.com/review-run-wi...

At A Glance

Loved the adventures, didn’t like the corny ending.

The Good

An ex-pirate and a lady thief are shackled together as they run for their lives from the law, a sicko uncle, and a blackmailer. Yes, it’s as fun as it sounds.

I loved Samantha and Nicolas’s misadventures together. They really hated each other in the beginning. It was bad. Sam tried to frame Nicolas for her thievery. Little wench. Nicolas planned on killing Samantha because she knew too much. Bastard. So as you can see, there was no love lost between these two for some time. But once they saved each other’s lives, a bond started to form. Can’t help that.

Sam was one hell of a spitfire though her growing love for Nicolas softened her up a bit. Nicolas was rough around the edges because of his past, but his heart grew for Sam despite his best efforts. I wasn’t sure about these two for some time but I ended up loving them together. Two runaways finding a home together.

The Bad

The ending was unrealistic for me. I like a happy ending as mush as the next gal, but this one was just too goody-goody/corny. Conflicts like these are not so easily resolved. The big drama and one of the main bad guys just fell short for me in every way by the end.

The Snuggly

There wasn’t too much smooshy-smooshy but the sexual tension was always there. The sex scenes were good but nothing special.

Final Thoughts

A good but not great historical romance. Liked the characters but not the convenient resolution. Recommend.


Quotes

But, Nicolas decided, it would be worth one bullet to be rid of the girl.

He loaded the pistol.

She inhaled sharply. “W-what are you doing now?” Her eyes searched his face. “What do you intend to–“

He flicked off the safety and stepped away from her. Two paces. His hand seemed a bit steadier now.

She looked stricken, her panic returning. “What are you going to–“

He aimed and fired before she finished the sentence. The sharp burst of noise wasn’t nearly as loud as the girl’s scream.

[RedRedtheycallmeRed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this book, a man and a woman leg shackled together, on the run from the law, adventure and romance ensues. Nick seems like a unfeeling, bloodthirsty jerk, but there's more to him than he lets people see. His evolution into a slightly softer Nick wasn't too fast to be believable, he was still plenty rough around the edges.

As soon as Samantha was introduced kicking and screaming into a jail cell I knew I would like her. Feisty and smart, but still somewhat vulnerable. She and Nick had great chemistry, the hate-turned-to-love kind.

There were some steamy scenes in this book, but the sex didn't overshadow the adventure or the romance.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book for the most part. The concept was brill and the characters were enjoyable. However, all went downhill two-thirds of the way in, where the ‘drama’ started. Things started to feel fake, the characters became kinda insufferable, the conflict with one the enemies that had been there the entire time was resolved after a dumbass speech (not to mention said enemy was predictable). I would have loved for the ending to have gone down differently but hey ho, what can you do now ay?

One thing I would like the mention that annoyed me was that while I acknowledge that Masud was only a side character and that he wasn’t really around much, I wasn’t a big fan of him just being known as they African’ - like, he didn’t have any other character traits?? He was always just The African and that was all there was to him. Rather upsetting.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape With a Scoundrel: Nick and Samantha

Lots of drama, and heavily tragic backstories, for what is essentially an escape romp. Imagine if, when Westley and Buttercup went into the Fire Swamp, they were leg shackled together. And hated each other. Yeah, that's pretty much the vibe.

[Catheryn]

DNF

I will probably come back to this one. I had a hard time getting into this one but I do want to give it another shot later.

[BookLovingLady (deceased Jan. 25, 2023...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story even though the 'change of heart' of the blackmailer was a bit sudden. A very good freebie!

[R.C. Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samantha and Nicholas are complex / well-developed characters that really were perfect for each other. The blurb delivers on its promise and I enjoyed the fast paced telling of the story. Samantha is quick-witted and surprising in her deviousness. But at the heart of her is a frightened child just trying to get by in life. Christopher is a tortured hero, subjected to horrors in his youth that drove him to seek revenge, only to find that happiness did not lie in the path of ruining those who ruined him.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, something kept me from fully connecting with these two character's love story, despite the fact that the author's writing is truly beautiful and these characters stories should've left me with an aching heart. It might sound silly, but the thought of these two having to relieve themselves while chained to one another for an extended period of time, and how dirty they must have been after their ordeal turned me off a little. It's the only reason I can think of for why I wasn't 100% on board with this love story. It's hard to stay in the 'in love' feeling when I'm mentally wishing they'd scrub a little bit while near the river or I'm thinking about how absolutely starving I'd be in their situation. I warned you it was silly, but there it is!

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I enjoyed this story much better than I anticipated! I was hooked from the start and really enjoyed the first 3/4 of this book when the fugitive characters Nick and Sam were on the run. The author did a nice job describing the events of their capture and escape and while dangerous, she was able to toss in some humorous moments while the captives were escaping shackled together.

I thought Nick and Samantha's chemistry was very believable and I enjoyed both characters as individuals so when they moved into a more romantic relationship it was easy to see that transition.

I agree with other readers that the ending was a bit more anti-climatic than I would have liked and felt a bit rushed and maybe a bit on the less believable side. But, I realize there needs to be a HEA, so what do you do. Overall, it was an interesting novel.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cold and uninteresting

I tried to get threw this book but it was just too cold and boring. The plot sounded good but the implementation was abysmal. After 40% I had to give up trying to find something good about this long, drawn out, boring story.

[Coco.V]

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[Natward1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars. So this book had a lot going for it. There was a lot I really loved. I liked Nicholas. I liked his story. I liked that he wasn’t this perfect male hero. He was flawed and conflicted. I didn’t like Samantha as much, but I still liked her enough. I loved the plot and I loved the story line. I loved all of the things that happened and all of their many conflicts. The author didn’t hold back with the problems and trials. It was exciting, entertaining, and fast paced. There wasn’t a dull moment. The writing was very well done.

But the thing I liked the least was the way the romance was written. It was like it was just slightly off target the whole time. It was a bit clumsy. I love an enemies to romance so much. I love that their first meeting wasn’t this love fest or anything. Far from it. I love that they didn’t trust eachother and that they were completely at odds. But that didn’t last because way too soon Nicholas was lusting and pining all over Samantha. It was way too strong too fast. Yes it was only in his inner monologuing that he was lusting but it came across creepy the way he was thinking about her given the predicament they were in. He resembled her creepy uncle to me in the way he would think about her when he barely knew her. Obviously he’s supposed to become attracted to her but the author was so heavy handed in her depiction of him falling for her. And it was too soon. And I never really saw why they’d fall in love. Or even want to start a relationship. I couldn’t feel any real chemistry between the two. My biggest pet peeve is when an author has the love interest say “I have no idea why I am feeling this way towards this person, it’s so out of character.” Like….it’s lazy writing to me. Write something about why they’d like the person over any other they’ve met. SHOW me reasons that I can see why they can’t help falling in love. The pacing on their romance just felt so off. I loved the predicament they were in running away from the law, but because of it they never had a reason to trust the other because their fates were tied together. So I never saw them build trust or respect or anything. The author needed to come up with ways to show us small gestures or put in situations that show us how their feelings would turn around for eachother. I never quite got that. It was like it was almost there, but not quite for me. So it made the romance come out of nowhere because it was so emphasized how at odds they were.

I also did not like the way they got together the first time. It was a little creepy again, like it almost seemed like he was taking advantage of her. He’s a self admitted womanizer. Someone who would never be tied down and doesn’t want a woman besides a fling/one night stand with hookers and mistresses. But then in Samantha’s most vulnerable state he coaxes her into something sexual even though she’s an innocent and very untrusting and scared of intimacy. She tells him all of this and he still takes advantage. I know the author didn’t mean it that way but it would have been so much more romantic to have him wait. Not wanting to take advantage of her until he knew he actually wanted to be with her. Obviously they’re gonna end up together but at the time they are first together he’s just coaxing and bedding an innocent. He even says early on in the book that he knows how to make unwilling women want to have sex with him. Like….is that supposed to be a good thing? Maybe it’s okay if it’s like someone who isn’t an innocent and has been with men before but not for someone like Samantha. So it makes it even more creepy. It’s just off the mark for me. I did like the book because every other aspect was amazing. The romance just needed a much more delicate touch in my opinion. I also wish she wouldn’t have found out about him the way she did. It would have made an intimate moment between the two of them for him to tell her about himself. I just felt like there were a few missed opportunities like this.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Shelley Thacker’s Escape with a Scoundrel as it provided me with a glimpse of life in England in 1741. I particularly liked the way she blended intrigue and romance in this romantic adventure tale. The plot line is well thought out with several twists and turns that create tension and suspense.

Ms. Thacker created multi-dimensional characters. Her protagonists, Nicholas (Nick) Brogan and Samantha (Sam) Delafield are both strong and independent individuals. Both are complex and wounded by events that occurred in their youth that held lasting effects on their adult lives. As their story unfolds we witness their transformation, their courage to face their demons, and watch them deal with their trials. I appreciate Ms. Thacker’s use of descriptive language. The nature scenes are realistic. When the couple fell over the water fall and traverse the raging waters, the reader was right there with them. The dialog between Nick and Sam was riveting. I found myself laughing and getting annoyed at them. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romance adventure tales. I plan on getting my hands on other books in this series.

[Christine Rains · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicholas Brogan believed he left his pirating years behind him, but someone knows and is blackmailing him to come to England. He's mistaken for another thief and chained to a beautiful young lady by the name of Samantha Delafield to be taken in to London for a reward. Shackled together, they make a daring escape and a forced to survive in the woods as they evade the authorities. Their battle of wills grows into something deeper, but will they survive to live their dreams?

This is the first book in this thrilling regency romance series. Unlike most books in this genre, this one has a lot of action. Nicholas was a feared pirate captain, and he's got the rugged good looks and battle skills to prove it. Samantha had to become a thief to survive after running away from her perverted uncle. She promised herself no man would ever touch her, but her attraction to Nicholas is making her reconsider. There's a lot of battling between the two of them, but two such strong individuals are good for one another, even if they don't think so at first. Fiery tension and sizzling scenes makes this a fun and steamy read.

[fin · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was ok, didn’t make me mad but i guess there just wasn’t enough chemistry. i didn’t like his realization that he loved her being a result of her past and how the injustice of it made him feel. i am a sucker for the “trope” of “we’re more similar than i thought,” regarding them realizing they both felt really alone as kids so i could get behind that. i feel like the kicker of the whole thing was them being stuck together and saving each other from death which supposedly made them see each other in a different light but tbh it never felt poignant enough for me to internally scream in excitement or anything.

although his past was tragic and it’s understandable why he wanted to keep his identity a secret, maybe i don’t really like the secret identity thing bc it doesn’t seem to really accumulate to anything substantial when it is realized, it either results in a third quarter breakup or nothingness bc they loved each other all along so it didn’t matter anyways. the latter was the case in this book.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wild escape that ends in love

I liked it, I really did. Samantha and Nick just wanted peace and safety but their pasts wouldn't let them rest. Together, they found the peace they were looking for, in each other. Their love was real and the story line is intriguing.
Overall, Would recommend.
How I rate a story. (In order of importance):
Does it keep my attention? 🌟 yes, once I started, I was engrossed with the story.
Is it plausible / logical? 🌟 yes, the choices they made were logical
Grammatical errors or odd, repetitive language? Some Inconsistency made me have to re-read a paragraph but nothing too bad
Do I like the characters? 🌟Yes. They were both strong and likable. Their histories and life situations made them who they are but neither wanted to be the bad guy.
All in all - A good read - 3.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟

There are very few stories that I'll give a 1 star. If I finished reading it then it had to be "ok".

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape with a Scoundrel is the first book of the series and can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book. It had some unexpected elements and the characters were engaging and easy to like. They both were fighting hard for their end goals , but finding love was not what either expected. They fought against it every chance they could, but their bond and pull to each other was too strong. Sam dreams of a simple life in Venice and Nick is hell bent on revenge and won’t rest until he gets it. I loved that they both were so independent until they were forced together and had to learn to trust one another.

I loved their relationship even though it starts out a bit confrontational. Their first meeting sucked me in from the start. I won’t ruin it for anyone with too many details, but this story is different. There is thievery, murder, an evil uncle, unexpected connections, sexy time and an overall good story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[TeriD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this years ago and jyst reread it in a boxed set and still enjoyed so it gets 5 stars for that alone. I loved that Samantha was strong, resilient and could hold her own without being bratty, caustic or even sassy. She's my favorite type of heroine. Nick is a real bastard in the beginning but I came to love him in the end. He did a lot of bad things in the past in the name of vengeance but he's left that life behind him. Or he's trying to, except someone is trying to blackmail him. While waiting to meet up with the blackmailer, he's mistaken for a horse thief and thrown into jail. Then in comes Sam, arrested for thievery (caught red handed). They get chained together to be transported to London. Since they're chained together and going to London isn't really going to work out well for them, they have to escape. Which they do. It's a miracle they survived, but survived they did. I highly recommend this and will reread again when I'm at a loss for something to read. Revisiting Sam & Nick's perilous journey to freedom & love is never a hardship! Enjoy!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by author, Shelly Thacker. I enjoyed the novel and will be reading more from her.
This novel was a great read. I cannot imagine being shackled to another person! How difficult it is for characters, Samantha Delafield and Nicholas Brogan when they are both caught by the law and shackled together. Both have had difficult upbringings that lead to them being outlaws. They have learned to trust no one. Can they now learn to trust, rely on each other, and work towards the freedom from their shackles? And, In the process of being physically freed, will they exchange the physical shackle around their ankles to a shackle of the heart? The answer is in the pages. Enjoy!

[Martha B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending is the best part.

All in all, Escape with a Scoundrel had an interesting story. The characters, though a bit rough around the edges, were engaging. That said, what really turned me off was page after page of introspection. So much so that I began to skim through it, and I did not mind putting this book down so I could take a break from it.

I could tell while reading the more balanced parts that Shelly Thacker can write well. In fact, the last few chapters and the epilogue were the best parts of this stand-alone book, which is why I gave it three instead of two stars.

Content 411: In addition to religious and secular swearing (no vulgarities), this book also contains a couple of moderately described sex scenes and some remembered and implied violence.

[ann_zack_cee_am_ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book very much! I love the headstrong and high-spirited heroine like Samantha. While she can be spitfire at times, she’s also gentle and sweet in nature. Years of being an outcast and a runaway have taught her independence that she wouldn’t get if she’s in the genteel society. The best part of book would definitely be where she gets shackled with her fellow cell mate Nicholas Brogan, a once ruthless ex-pirate, for the first 60% of the book. I’ve read a similar book by Donna Fletcher called Bound To A Warrior and it has officially unlocked another trop I never I knew I need ; shackled MCs on the run together.

This is my third book by Shelly Thacker and I really enjoy all her writings so far, wish she has written more!!

[C Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adventurous tale

It was slow at first but then it picked up. I love the way the story progressed. There were a lot of twists and turns and nothing is ever simple.

This isn't your run-of-the-mill regency or historical romance full of balls and the marriage market. This is an adventure.

While both of the characters have noble backgrounds, they were thrust into a life of crime and they survived.

Their paths crossed at the right time and I could just feel all the emotions here.

There's no cliffhanger here, only a guaranteed HEA.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent novel. Set in England 1741. Everything about this book was outstanding, including the editing, which is a refreshing change from many of the historical romances I read. The plot was exceptional - couldn’t stop reading, and wasn’t predictable, except of course for the happy ending. It was well-researched and faithful to the period, and beautifully written, with original descriptive pieces. A pleasure to read in every respect.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Grand Escape

Well written and well edited.
Characters, even minor ones, are deftly developed and interesting.
The adventure is grand even if occasionally unrealistic. (But then again, it’s the kind of book one reads for pleasure and escape —not realism.)
I found the beginning a bit slow and a bit confusing. (But I’m glad I hung in.) For that reason and some of the more far-fetched moments in the escape, I gave it one less star.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story has twists and turns which prevent it from being standard - and predictable - fare. Both of the two main characters, Nicholas and Samantha, have been forced by circumstances in their lives to make choices neither is proud of. They have a rocky beginning when they first meet in jail. Even once they're shackled to each other, it takes a bit for them to start to work together. Each is also being sought by an adversary. A true page turner and a great series start.