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Regency Silk & Scandal #8
Taken By The Wicked Rake
I hate you, Stephano Beshaley. As much as you hate my family.
Lady Verity Carlow is poised, beautiful, charming and virginal. Her family’s precious jewel. She knows she will marry whatever titled bore is chosen for her. But sometimes, in the dark of the night, she wishes she wasn’t always so well-behaved
Then she is snatched! Kidnapped by her family’s enemy, gypsy Lord Stephano Beshaley. When this dark, dangerous, unsuitable man takes Verity in his arms, he tempts her to do wicked things. And, shockingly, she does not want to be rescued -- not one little bit!
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2010
20 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Christine Merrill
239 books215 followersChristine Merrill has wanted to be an author for as long as she can remember. But one thing stood in her way: touch typing.
Six weeks spent on an IBM Selectric in her Sophomore year of high school proved that she would never be able to produce one readable page of manuscript, much less several hundred.
Twenty years passed, and she found ways to pass the time: marrying her high school sweetheart; having two sons; and taking an assortment of jobs in professional theater costume shops, including a miserable year and a half spent styling wigs for a certain hamburger-selling clown (who shall remain nameless, since I don't want to incur the wrath of a major American corporation) and a couple of weeks working on a TV movie with one of the sexiest men alive (whose name I'm happy to drop: Mark Harmon!).
During that time, someone invented word processing, and a reliable spell checker.
Christine returned to her childhood dream, only to discover that there was more to the whole writing thing than accurate typing. The next years were spent learning to tell stories that people might want to read, and trying to find someone who wanted to buy them. Her chance came when she won the RWA's Golden Heart Competition for unpublished manuscripts. The winning story, soon to be known as THE INCONVENIENT DUCHESS, was bought by the contest judges, the delightful editors at Mills & Boon, in Richmond, Surrey.
Christine is now busy writing her fifth book, and is more than slightly jealous that her manuscripts get to visit England, while she stays home in Wisconsin
Six weeks spent on an IBM Selectric in her Sophomore year of high school proved that she would never be able to produce one readable page of manuscript, much less several hundred.
Twenty years passed, and she found ways to pass the time: marrying her high school sweetheart; having two sons; and taking an assortment of jobs in professional theater costume shops, including a miserable year and a half spent styling wigs for a certain hamburger-selling clown (who shall remain nameless, since I don't want to incur the wrath of a major American corporation) and a couple of weeks working on a TV movie with one of the sexiest men alive (whose name I'm happy to drop: Mark Harmon!).
During that time, someone invented word processing, and a reliable spell checker.
Christine returned to her childhood dream, only to discover that there was more to the whole writing thing than accurate typing. The next years were spent learning to tell stories that people might want to read, and trying to find someone who wanted to buy them. Her chance came when she won the RWA's Golden Heart Competition for unpublished manuscripts. The winning story, soon to be known as THE INCONVENIENT DUCHESS, was bought by the contest judges, the delightful editors at Mills & Boon, in Richmond, Surrey.
Christine is now busy writing her fifth book, and is more than slightly jealous that her manuscripts get to visit England, while she stays home in Wisconsin
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 17, 2011
This was a good ending to the series, wrapping up the loose ends and giving the hero/anti-hero his HEA.
Things I liked about this one:
- The hero's story is really well-handled. It would have been easy to turn his transformation from villain to hero into a total mess, but that didn't happen. He was both, and it didn't jar or seem silly. He doesn't come across as particularly likeable, nor completely as a victim of his fate, but he redeems himself in a way which suits his ends as well as those of the other characters.
- This is a great ending to the series. So often I read a series and the last one is a bit of a disappointment, seeking to wrap every single little loose end to the detriment of the hero and heroine's story. Well, that didn't happen here. Most of the story concentrated on this hero and heroine, and the story wrap-up, whilst thorough, and not rushing, was saved for the end of the book. We knew who the real villain was several books ago, although the way the story ended meant that my intelligence wasn't insulted in the telling.
What I didn't like so much:
- Although the heroine didn't have a miraculous character change, I didn't like the way so much of her true character was hidden in previous books. It wouldn't have hurt to show just a little bit of her frustration a bit earlier, rather than surprise it on us in this book. Also, I felt 21 was a bit late for her to suddenly decide she'd had enough. Having said that, she made a great heroine, both tough-minded and gentle. A nice combination.
So, a nice ending to the series and an enjoyable read. I guess my favorites in this series were
and
, and my least favorites
and
.
4 stars "I really liked it"
Things I liked about this one:
- The hero's story is really well-handled. It would have been easy to turn his transformation from villain to hero into a total mess, but that didn't happen. He was both, and it didn't jar or seem silly. He doesn't come across as particularly likeable, nor completely as a victim of his fate, but he redeems himself in a way which suits his ends as well as those of the other characters.
- This is a great ending to the series. So often I read a series and the last one is a bit of a disappointment, seeking to wrap every single little loose end to the detriment of the hero and heroine's story. Well, that didn't happen here. Most of the story concentrated on this hero and heroine, and the story wrap-up, whilst thorough, and not rushing, was saved for the end of the book. We knew who the real villain was several books ago, although the way the story ended meant that my intelligence wasn't insulted in the telling.
What I didn't like so much:
- Although the heroine didn't have a miraculous character change, I didn't like the way so much of her true character was hidden in previous books. It wouldn't have hurt to show just a little bit of her frustration a bit earlier, rather than surprise it on us in this book. Also, I felt 21 was a bit late for her to suddenly decide she'd had enough. Having said that, she made a great heroine, both tough-minded and gentle. A nice combination.
So, a nice ending to the series and an enjoyable read. I guess my favorites in this series were
and
, and my least favorites
and
.4 stars "I really liked it"
December 25, 2010
The final book in the Silk and Scandal Harlequin Series comes to an end.
After Stephano/Stephen has caused the members of three families much grief in the previous seven books he kidnaps Verity Carlow in this final book. He intends to hold her captive until her father admits he murdered Stephen's father, Kit.
Verity is bored with her life. She is 21 years old and everyday is the same as the day before and after. She really does not find interest in finding a husband. She tries to follow all the rules of the ton and be the perfect child. Deep down she is somewhat rebellious but afraid to let her true feelings out.
All the events of the previous books pull together to wrap up the mysteries and love lives of all those involved.
After Stephano/Stephen has caused the members of three families much grief in the previous seven books he kidnaps Verity Carlow in this final book. He intends to hold her captive until her father admits he murdered Stephen's father, Kit.
Verity is bored with her life. She is 21 years old and everyday is the same as the day before and after. She really does not find interest in finding a husband. She tries to follow all the rules of the ton and be the perfect child. Deep down she is somewhat rebellious but afraid to let her true feelings out.
All the events of the previous books pull together to wrap up the mysteries and love lives of all those involved.
February 19, 2013
The Silk & Scandal series is good enough for me to give the conclusion four stars just on principle, but I think this book earns them on its own as well. The hero benefits a great deal from being having been a major figure in the previous seven books, and is easily the most complex and fleshed-out character in the entire run. It makes it much easier to get invested in the romance, which is a tasty bit of Gypsy kidnapping fun. The heroine is brave and true, and doesn't spend a whole lot of time dithering about and feeling sorry for herself. The romance itself is handled a little differently from the rest of the books, and I was glad for it. Not so much of the old "we're going to misunderstand each other for one hundred pages and then wrap it all up by confessing our feelings for five minutes" nonsense that plagues the rest of the series. And I was thrilled to see Magda again!
There's not much suspense, as any reader with keen eye would have spotted the villain by the second or third book, but it's still a satisfying conclusion. The overarching mystery is the series' biggest strength, and is very well-plotted. Really just a good time!
There's not much suspense, as any reader with keen eye would have spotted the villain by the second or third book, but it's still a satisfying conclusion. The overarching mystery is the series' biggest strength, and is very well-plotted. Really just a good time!
February 8, 2014
Eh, it was okay. I like the plot but the characters didn't pull at me at all. I could really have care less what happened to Verity or Stephano and in the end, the whole group of everybody just seemed like a bunch of fools
The who-done-it keep me reading but I really wasn't taken by the weak-willed and wimpy men all around
The who-done-it keep me reading but I really wasn't taken by the weak-willed and wimpy men all around
November 29, 2017
Harlequin Regency silk and scandal series. story about the sins of the father 20 years prior gypsy curse being visited on their children. Wardal children - nell, nathan and rosalind; Hebden children Imogen, Stephen ( Nadya gypsy half sister) Carlow children Marcus, Hal, Honoria and Verity
#1 The lord and the Wayward Lady Louise Allen - Marcus and Nell’s story
#2 Paying the Virgin’s price by Christine Merrill - Nathan and Diana’s story
#3 The Smuggler and the society bride by Julia Justice -Hawk and Honoria’s story
#4 Claiming the Forbidden Bride by Gayle Wilson - Rhys and Nadya
#5 The viscount and the virgin by Annie Burrows Monty and Imogen
#6 Unlacing the Innocent miss by Margaret McPhee - wolf and Rosalind’s story
#7 The officer and the Proper Lady by Louise Allen - Hal and Julia’s story
#8 Taken by the wicked rake by Christine Merrill - Verity and Stephan
#1 The lord and the Wayward Lady Louise Allen - Marcus and Nell’s story
#2 Paying the Virgin’s price by Christine Merrill - Nathan and Diana’s story
#3 The Smuggler and the society bride by Julia Justice -Hawk and Honoria’s story
#4 Claiming the Forbidden Bride by Gayle Wilson - Rhys and Nadya
#5 The viscount and the virgin by Annie Burrows Monty and Imogen
#6 Unlacing the Innocent miss by Margaret McPhee - wolf and Rosalind’s story
#7 The officer and the Proper Lady by Louise Allen - Hal and Julia’s story
#8 Taken by the wicked rake by Christine Merrill - Verity and Stephan
May 5, 2018
An enjoyable read with substance to the plot. A pity that the very first words are a glaring error. I think the author means Augst 1815 and not 1915.
This is part of a series shared by different author's and maybe Merrill got the best of the deal as she exposes the spy and given the series resolution. I liked Verity. She appeared to be meek and obedient but she was not ready to be walked over. Stephen Hebdonss true personality and motivation come to light. Although part of a series, it could be read as a stand alone and this is where Merrill has the advantage.
An enjoyable read
This is part of a series shared by different author's and maybe Merrill got the best of the deal as she exposes the spy and given the series resolution. I liked Verity. She appeared to be meek and obedient but she was not ready to be walked over. Stephen Hebdonss true personality and motivation come to light. Although part of a series, it could be read as a stand alone and this is where Merrill has the advantage.
An enjoyable read
December 17, 2017
I really liked Stephano Beshaley in this book. Even though he did some bad things I kinda understood why. And everything he did came out well for all involved. The actual bad guy was caugjt and dealt with.
September 11, 2020
Silk & Scandal si conclude con questo libro dove si svelano i segreti e come immaginavo il colpevole e chi credevo io anche se in queste ultime pagine un po mi ha ingannato. Stephano e Verity finalmente trovano l'agognata pace.
October 1, 2019
Worth the read.Its so good...,but it's still vague... whether he raped her sisters or not
July 24, 2025
Un epilogo che sinceramente non mi aspettavo, ma che mi ha profondamente stupito e affascinato.
August 31, 2016
I had been anticipating this last book all throughout the series, and for some time now I knew it would be about Stephano, one of my favorite characters in Silk and Scandal, and probably my favorite "villain" in a very long time. Verity, who was rather discreet in the other books, really opens her wings here, and turns out to be the key to unlock the mystery from the scandal twenty years before... and others, more recent.
Each book in the series can be read kind of as a stand-alone... but I really recommend reading all of them, or at least a couple of them before you read this last one, since it really ties everything up and would spoil a lot of stuff that happens before.
Scandals, revenge and murder are pretty much everywhere in historical romance novels, for better and for worse. Some authors use it as a sideshow for their characters' love stories, sometimes skillfully. But here, the old scandal is very much a part of the story, and we can see that the six authors gave it a lot of thought, so that both the truth and the way it is uncovered are consistent, clever, and offer a real resolution. Well done!
/!\ Alright, don't go any further if you want to avoid spoilers about the previous books /!\
I also very much liked that the characters don't all get along, and that someone who is seen as disagreeable in one book, will turn out to be likable in another when seen through another person's eyes, and vice versa. It is true to real life, and maybe it comes from different authors writing each story, but I thought it was a nice touch. For instance, Marcus from book 1 The Lord and the Wayward Lady appears in a different light in book 3 The Smuggler and the Society Bride (as a distrustful, overbearing and then overwhelmed older brother); same goes for his father the Earl of Narborough, or Nathan. Sisters Honoria and Verity both have an inferiority complex toward the other, etc.
And that culminates with this last book, where the almost unanimously loathed Stephano Beshaley, alias Stephen Hebden, finally gets to say his piece. I had been wondering how the author would manage to present him favorably after some of the stuff he'd done (like organizing Honoria's public assault in book 3 The Smuggler and the Society Bride), especially since the sympathy card had already been played - we knew about what happened to him as a child, and about the terrible headaches he gets when he tries to disregard the Curse. We even saw him through both of his sisters' loving eyes. So what's left?
Well, it just... works. For me at least. Possibly because he doesn't look for excuses. The parts written in his point of view show that not only is he not so heartless as he might appear (which we already suspected from the previous books), but the things he has done don't exactly rest easy on his conscience. And we get to see him through Verity's eyes.
And wow, is Verity a surprise! I was wondering about pairing these two together, because the meek and proper girl we'd glimpsed in the previous books didn't seem like a match for this revengeful gypsy. But meek and proper disappears pretty quick, to Stephano's dismay, then to her family's, who have no idea what she has in store for them. A strong character who takes her life into her own hands, and resolves a twenty-year old feud between the Hebdens, Wardales, Carlows and Beshaleys. And she does it with close to no drama, and a smile on her face. That'll teach all these overbearing brothers and fathers and family enemies turned friends.
Do I need to say it? I recommend this book and the whole Silk and Scandal series HEARTILY!
Each book in the series can be read kind of as a stand-alone... but I really recommend reading all of them, or at least a couple of them before you read this last one, since it really ties everything up and would spoil a lot of stuff that happens before.
Scandals, revenge and murder are pretty much everywhere in historical romance novels, for better and for worse. Some authors use it as a sideshow for their characters' love stories, sometimes skillfully. But here, the old scandal is very much a part of the story, and we can see that the six authors gave it a lot of thought, so that both the truth and the way it is uncovered are consistent, clever, and offer a real resolution. Well done!
/!\ Alright, don't go any further if you want to avoid spoilers about the previous books /!\
I also very much liked that the characters don't all get along, and that someone who is seen as disagreeable in one book, will turn out to be likable in another when seen through another person's eyes, and vice versa. It is true to real life, and maybe it comes from different authors writing each story, but I thought it was a nice touch. For instance, Marcus from book 1 The Lord and the Wayward Lady appears in a different light in book 3 The Smuggler and the Society Bride (as a distrustful, overbearing and then overwhelmed older brother); same goes for his father the Earl of Narborough, or Nathan. Sisters Honoria and Verity both have an inferiority complex toward the other, etc.
And that culminates with this last book, where the almost unanimously loathed Stephano Beshaley, alias Stephen Hebden, finally gets to say his piece. I had been wondering how the author would manage to present him favorably after some of the stuff he'd done (like organizing Honoria's public assault in book 3 The Smuggler and the Society Bride), especially since the sympathy card had already been played - we knew about what happened to him as a child, and about the terrible headaches he gets when he tries to disregard the Curse. We even saw him through both of his sisters' loving eyes. So what's left?
Well, it just... works. For me at least. Possibly because he doesn't look for excuses. The parts written in his point of view show that not only is he not so heartless as he might appear (which we already suspected from the previous books), but the things he has done don't exactly rest easy on his conscience. And we get to see him through Verity's eyes.
And wow, is Verity a surprise! I was wondering about pairing these two together, because the meek and proper girl we'd glimpsed in the previous books didn't seem like a match for this revengeful gypsy. But meek and proper disappears pretty quick, to Stephano's dismay, then to her family's, who have no idea what she has in store for them. A strong character who takes her life into her own hands, and resolves a twenty-year old feud between the Hebdens, Wardales, Carlows and Beshaleys. And she does it with close to no drama, and a smile on her face. That'll teach all these overbearing brothers and fathers and family enemies turned friends.
Do I need to say it? I recommend this book and the whole Silk and Scandal series HEARTILY!
April 17, 2018
This must have been a difficult story to write, considering all the authors that have been involved in the character creation and preceding stories, but it works very well. Apart from that little detail the story is quite good and very sweet. I like how it seems credible, rather than a case of Stockholm-syndrome. and it made me laugh!
August 28, 2025
An excellent conclusion
A well written novel that draws this series to its conclusion.
Full of drama, action and romance.
Some angst, and a conclusion to the murder mystery from twenty years earlier.
A murderer is uncovered, honour restored to a family and an avenger is redeemed.
A novel well worth reading IMHO.
A well written novel that draws this series to its conclusion.
Full of drama, action and romance.
Some angst, and a conclusion to the murder mystery from twenty years earlier.
A murderer is uncovered, honour restored to a family and an avenger is redeemed.
A novel well worth reading IMHO.
January 4, 2011
Last in the "Silk and Scandal" series, in which the longstanding Mystery is Solved, the Reader having already Determin'd the Villain several Books Before. Also, the hero's motivation...oh, well, that actually was also revealed several books before. We do get his point-of-view, by which we understand that the curse has bound him through horrible headaches. But, the woman who is "taken" (pun alert, as she is also kidnapped) by the Wicked Rake aka Stephano Beshaley aka Stephen Hebden aka Lord Salterton aka the Gypsy -- he wears many hats--although previously portrayed as quiet and agreeable, turns out to kick ass even more than her mate (who is really nowhere NEAR as dark as an Anne Stuart hero in this book, which was kind of disappointing). This conclusion didn't exactly fizzle--it was a reasonable enough romance on it's own--but the build-up was such that I expected a better book and more edgy hero. It's kind of like Stephen lost his mojo--I mean, headaches? Really?
On the other hand, Taken By the Wicked Rake does not suffer from series-related infodump syndrome (SRIS) as the plotline of the series is seamlessly integrated with the plot of this book; that is, the same situations that drive the series arc also drive each individual book. In that respect, the whole series was a thing of beauty. If anything, the flaws rest in a mystery too easily solved, and a not-quite-villainous-enough hero in the last book.
On the other hand, Taken By the Wicked Rake does not suffer from series-related infodump syndrome (SRIS) as the plotline of the series is seamlessly integrated with the plot of this book; that is, the same situations that drive the series arc also drive each individual book. In that respect, the whole series was a thing of beauty. If anything, the flaws rest in a mystery too easily solved, and a not-quite-villainous-enough hero in the last book.
August 28, 2013
I was 1/4 into reading this when I learned that it was the last book of the Regency Silk and Scandal series. I was fully invested in the story by this time that I decided I could not wait to start the series but will read books 1-7 at a later date. And because of this, it took me awhile to understand the mystery and Stephano's need for revenge. But once I did it was clear sailing all the way. I loved the tension that crackled between the two main characters. It was obvious that despite the kidnapping brouhaha, it was a case of love at first sight for Verity and Stephano. I also loved the everyday life of a gypsy that the novel showed. Their beliefs in the supernatural is also highlighted and gives the book a much nuanced aspect of their culture that I'm sure the readers will appreciate. The anti hero is redeemed by bread, salt and love. A most unusual but highly effective way as our (anti) hero and heroine get their much longed for HEA in the end.
October 18, 2012
OMG!! It was a nice end to the series! I thought I might be disappointed because I read some reviews pointing to that but, though it wasn't a super passionate ending, it was what it needed to be - redemption, reconciliation, forgiveness and the triumph of justice and love. I know it's corny but if you like this genre that's the ultimate goal! I loved the books and was overall amazed by the accomplishment of having 6 different authors, so very different in their writing styles, put together one story that brings together 3 families, 2 cultures and 8 very romantic love stories.
As I've writen before, I was adamant to read another series but having finished it I don't regret it. I laughed (a lot), cried (a little), held my breath and rooted for all my heroes and heroines through each and every story.
As I've writen before, I was adamant to read another series but having finished it I don't regret it. I laughed (a lot), cried (a little), held my breath and rooted for all my heroes and heroines through each and every story.
July 19, 2012
Cute, well-written romance. I loved the contrast of the hero "Rom" versus the virginal English heroine. The version I read is part of a series written by various authors, which I think is a really clever idea! I hadn't read any of the other books, and it was no problem except that I had difficulty following the side characters. (I just want to know, WHY must the titled folks be referred to by both their surnames and by their titled names?! I'm confusable-enough to begin with!)
I enjoyed the story and will look for more to read by Ms. Merrill!
I enjoyed the story and will look for more to read by Ms. Merrill!
November 3, 2011
The final book in the Silk & Scandal series, and we finally get to know the truth about the murder/spy story. I´ve been waiting for Stephano´s story and i wasn´t let down. =)
We return to the Romany camp when Stephen kidnaps Verity to get her father to confess and we meet Magda again. Verity gets her chance to a life that won´t bore her and a love she´s been dreaming of.
Loved it, and it did not disappoint.
We return to the Romany camp when Stephen kidnaps Verity to get her father to confess and we meet Magda again. Verity gets her chance to a life that won´t bore her and a love she´s been dreaming of.
Loved it, and it did not disappoint.
February 19, 2011
Heroine is kidnapped by half-Gypsy hero bent on revenge. His mother cursed her father because of a murder back when she was an infant. There's quite a bit of "living with the Gypsies," and some "taking care of a sick hero," and some mystery-solving. This book is the conclusion of the "Silk and Scandal" series, and the resolution of the series mystery is done well. I enjoyed it quite a bit.
January 19, 2011
I loved it! It was so nice to finally see Stephano's gentler side! You knew he had it in him! It was also great to finally learn the truth to the scandal. It was a great series! I'm glad I read all of them in order.
December 8, 2014
Just one time read. The title is more interesting than the story is. The writer had so much scope with a gypsy from regency and a lady. But she couldn't do much justice. Maybe she should start reading a few Lisa Kleypas novels to get a better idea about what the readers want.
September 26, 2016
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I'm sure by title you can tell how much I adored this book! I had a sneaky suspicion who the real murderer was, in fact, I believe there is are a few hints in the past few books! Sad to be done with the series, but I did truly love it!
I'm sure by title you can tell how much I adored this book! I had a sneaky suspicion who the real murderer was, in fact, I believe there is are a few hints in the past few books! Sad to be done with the series, but I did truly love it!
Read
February 2, 2011Miniseries: Silk & Scandal
I can't decide which book was my favorite in the series. I really enjoyed them all!
I can't decide which book was my favorite in the series. I really enjoyed them all!
December 31, 2010
Another series bites the dust. Have kept 5 of the 8. Held together much better than most written by so many authors.
February 10, 2011
Fun gypsy kidnaping book and she doesn't care to be rescued!
July 8, 2011
It was okay. First book by this author. A little too tame for me.
Read
December 24, 2014Miniseries: Silk & Scandal
January 7, 2011
not to bad.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews