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The Devils of Dover #3.5
The Devils of Dover
Can he trust her with his darkest secret?
Ruthless. Dangerous. Known simply as King. No one knows his true name or where he came from. And when he learns that the man who betrayed him has returned to London, King has only one goal: vengeance. But first, he must seek out an unlikely ally to aide him in his pursuit...
Adeline Archambault is as mysterious as she is beautiful. Exiled after the French Revolution, she's determined to reclaim her birthright and deliver the justice that is owed her. King's offer to help her, in exchange for her assistance, is a bargain she can't refuse. But will this deal with a devil lead to a future she never dared hope for?
Ruthless. Dangerous. Known simply as King. No one knows his true name or where he came from. And when he learns that the man who betrayed him has returned to London, King has only one goal: vengeance. But first, he must seek out an unlikely ally to aide him in his pursuit...
Adeline Archambault is as mysterious as she is beautiful. Exiled after the French Revolution, she's determined to reclaim her birthright and deliver the justice that is owed her. King's offer to help her, in exchange for her assistance, is a bargain she can't refuse. But will this deal with a devil lead to a future she never dared hope for?
Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2019
113 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Bowen
20 books1,365 followersAward-winning author Kelly Bowen attended the University of Manitoba, earning a BSc & MSc in veterinary studies. She worked as a research scientist before realizing her dream to write historical fiction. Currently, Kelly lives with her family in Winnipeg, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
December 16, 2019
I'm a big Kelly Bowen fan, and I've read all of the books in the Devils of Dover series, though I haven't loved all of them. However, even though this was a novella and not even a full-length story, it was one of my favorites.
Night of the Scoundrel brings back King, a character from previous books, so some background knowledge is helpful, though I think you could manage this one as a stand-alone. Even though I've read all the books in the series, it still took me a chapter to get my bearings and remember some details.
I loved Adeline and how principled and crafty she was. She was relentless in her quest for justice and truth, and I admired that about her. King was more enigmatic at first, but his story took me by surprise and really squeezed my heart.
I think the romance between them could have used some more page time, but the plot really carried me. I was hungry for revenge and justice, almost as much as these characters, and I couldn't wait to see how the story played out.
The writing was some of Kelly Bowen's best. It felt dark and dangerous, and I didn't want to put the story down. It makes me hopeful that the rest of the series could be this good.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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Night of the Scoundrel brings back King, a character from previous books, so some background knowledge is helpful, though I think you could manage this one as a stand-alone. Even though I've read all the books in the series, it still took me a chapter to get my bearings and remember some details.
I loved Adeline and how principled and crafty she was. She was relentless in her quest for justice and truth, and I admired that about her. King was more enigmatic at first, but his story took me by surprise and really squeezed my heart.
I think the romance between them could have used some more page time, but the plot really carried me. I was hungry for revenge and justice, almost as much as these characters, and I couldn't wait to see how the story played out.
The writing was some of Kelly Bowen's best. It felt dark and dangerous, and I didn't want to put the story down. It makes me hopeful that the rest of the series could be this good.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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March 5, 2020
Ever since reading Kelly Bowen’s excellent Season for Scandal series, I have been anxiously awaiting the enigmatic King’s story. I was, therefore, somewhat disappointed to discover it was a novella but, despite the obvious constraints, Ms. Bowen succeeded in creating a deeply emotional story that kept me engrossed from start to finish.
With a past shrouded in mystery and a reputation for being dangerous, ruthless, cunning, and unpredictable, King has risen to the top of London’s underworld, but is just as comfortable in the upper echelons of London society. But his sartorial elegance, genuine knowledge of art and antiques, love of playing the piano, and obvious concern for the the young boys in his employ all seem so at odds with his formidable reputation.
I knew that King must have had a dark past, but I never guessed just how dark and heartbreaking it really was. To be so cruelly abandoned to a living hell by those who should have loved, protected and believed in him, I could appreciate just how much King’s past had shaped him into a man he has become - ‘A merciless man who does whatever awful things are necessary to keep surviving.’ He has buried those terrible memories in the deepest recesses of his mind but is forced to confront them head on when someone from his past reappears.
Adeline’s parents, the Comte and Comtesse de Chadonnet, lost everything during the French Revolution and the family was forced to flee. Tragically, after returning to Paris ten years later to reclaim their birthright, her parents were murdered and the culprit never caught. Forced to fend for herself, Adeline is determined to obtain the justice for others that she was unable to get for her parents. When no one else is willing or able to help, clients employ Adeline to recover stolen family fortunes and treasures and bring the culprits to justice whenever possible.
I really admire Adeline’s strength and courage in the face of adversity and her desire to help those who have lost everything. Yes, it’s a way of making a living, but she sees her clients as people first and genuinely cares about them.
Adeline is the perfect heroine for King because they are alike in many ways - both have known the loneliness of surviving in a world where both honour and trust were in short supply. From their first meeting, the attraction between them is palpable and Ms. Bowen creates a sexual tension that positively sizzles. I enjoyed seeing King, who has always been in total control of his emotions and his actions, become completely unravelled by Adeline and vulnerable in a way he never has been before.
I love how they truly ‘see’ and understand each other as no one else ever has. King sees Adeline as honourable, beautiful and clever, while Adeline sees beyond King’s ruthless, cunning and callous façade to a man who protects those he cares for. The scene where he sends Adeline away, believing that she deserves a man as honourable as she, is truly heart-breaking.
It takes some wise words from his close friend, Noah, to make him realise that he has to let go of the past and embrace the future.
“Yet all of those moments are gone. You can remember them or forget them, like them or hate them, but you cannot change them. Only the moments to come can be changed.”
The final chapter was just perfect and so romantic. It was heart-warming to see two people, who are perfectly in tune with each other, finally find the happiness they truly deserve.
Although this novella is part of The Devils of Dover series, King has his origins in Ms. Bowen’s Season for Scandal series. I would highly recommend reading this series not only because it’s excellent, but also because it provides background to King’s character, and insight into his past relationships with Elise Ellery & Noah Ellery, the Duke of Ashland, and Ivory Harcourt, Duchess of Alderidge, the main secondary characters in this novella.
MY VERDICT: King’s story was so worth the wait and more than exceeded my expectations.
With a past shrouded in mystery and a reputation for being dangerous, ruthless, cunning, and unpredictable, King has risen to the top of London’s underworld, but is just as comfortable in the upper echelons of London society. But his sartorial elegance, genuine knowledge of art and antiques, love of playing the piano, and obvious concern for the the young boys in his employ all seem so at odds with his formidable reputation.
I knew that King must have had a dark past, but I never guessed just how dark and heartbreaking it really was. To be so cruelly abandoned to a living hell by those who should have loved, protected and believed in him, I could appreciate just how much King’s past had shaped him into a man he has become - ‘A merciless man who does whatever awful things are necessary to keep surviving.’ He has buried those terrible memories in the deepest recesses of his mind but is forced to confront them head on when someone from his past reappears.
Adeline’s parents, the Comte and Comtesse de Chadonnet, lost everything during the French Revolution and the family was forced to flee. Tragically, after returning to Paris ten years later to reclaim their birthright, her parents were murdered and the culprit never caught. Forced to fend for herself, Adeline is determined to obtain the justice for others that she was unable to get for her parents. When no one else is willing or able to help, clients employ Adeline to recover stolen family fortunes and treasures and bring the culprits to justice whenever possible.
I really admire Adeline’s strength and courage in the face of adversity and her desire to help those who have lost everything. Yes, it’s a way of making a living, but she sees her clients as people first and genuinely cares about them.
Adeline is the perfect heroine for King because they are alike in many ways - both have known the loneliness of surviving in a world where both honour and trust were in short supply. From their first meeting, the attraction between them is palpable and Ms. Bowen creates a sexual tension that positively sizzles. I enjoyed seeing King, who has always been in total control of his emotions and his actions, become completely unravelled by Adeline and vulnerable in a way he never has been before.
I love how they truly ‘see’ and understand each other as no one else ever has. King sees Adeline as honourable, beautiful and clever, while Adeline sees beyond King’s ruthless, cunning and callous façade to a man who protects those he cares for. The scene where he sends Adeline away, believing that she deserves a man as honourable as she, is truly heart-breaking.
It takes some wise words from his close friend, Noah, to make him realise that he has to let go of the past and embrace the future.
“Yet all of those moments are gone. You can remember them or forget them, like them or hate them, but you cannot change them. Only the moments to come can be changed.”
The final chapter was just perfect and so romantic. It was heart-warming to see two people, who are perfectly in tune with each other, finally find the happiness they truly deserve.
Although this novella is part of The Devils of Dover series, King has his origins in Ms. Bowen’s Season for Scandal series. I would highly recommend reading this series not only because it’s excellent, but also because it provides background to King’s character, and insight into his past relationships with Elise Ellery & Noah Ellery, the Duke of Ashland, and Ivory Harcourt, Duchess of Alderidge, the main secondary characters in this novella.
MY VERDICT: King’s story was so worth the wait and more than exceeded my expectations.
December 7, 2019
Lovely novella :) it helps that the hero has played key roles in many previous books. It was like reading about an old friend.
Buddy read in the HRBC with Loriidae :)
Buddy read in the HRBC with Loriidae :)
November 21, 2019
Finally! King’s story. The crime lord has stolen every scene he was in during this series so I was thrilled when he got his own story. King needed a strong heroine and he definitely got that in Adelaide. We finally find out about King’s past and who he really is. It was a lovely little novella that had excellent character growth. I usually find character growth hard to achieve in novellas but not so with this book. I think that’s the mark of a great writer, being able to convey so much with so little.
January 5, 2020
I'm probably one of the few coming into this novella without having read all of the previous entries where King shows up as a secondary character, but no matter, it reads well as a standalone and learning about his past and how it made him the man he is today makes for a compelling story! A man like King, scion of London's Underworld who is a major player in both high and low society needs a strong partner and female assassin Adeline, a woman longing for justice and determined to do anything to get it definitely fits the part. There are some sexy scenes between these two as Adeline convinces King to help her in her quest, and the plot moves swiftly, uncovering surprising revelations along the way. But mostly, I loved how King is able to trust Adeline with his darkest secrets (and they are quite dark and devastating- it's amazing how he was able to turn his life around). Revenge is sweet, and the happy ending these two eventually get is thoroughly satisfying. Intrigue, sex, romance, strong emotions and an enjoyable page turning plot make this an excellent historical romance novella.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
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November 26, 2019King’s book!!
❤️❤️❤️
Why is only novella? 😫
❤️❤️❤️
Why is only novella? 😫
November 26, 2019
Volatile! Riveting!
King, "Lord of London's underworld," always enigmatic and aloof. Dangerous!
I felt King's story was going to be something special, I knew this was going to be a five star read before I'd reached the end of the first page.
King witnesses a fight in a darkened alleyway between three ruffians and a mysterious angel with a rapier and a knife. He is both disturbed and intrigued, "He might not know who this woman was, but he knew what she was—one who understood what lurked in the dark corners of the soul. Like recognized like, after all."
What follows is a story that reaches into the depth of King's dark corners, exposing who he is and matches him with a stunning partner grown from similar hidden places.
Adeline Archambault sees in King something that causes her to stumble, to be wary. He is "predatory and remote. Piercing and impenetrable."
In her line of work Adeline uses the nom de plume "Adrestia ... ‘the inescapable.’ Goddess of retribution and vengeance.” Adeline prefers the notion of "justice."
She infiltrates King's annual art and valuables auction at his home Helmsdale House, breaking into his study in search for a specific jewel. All to do with justice! Of course King is present, standing silently in the shadows in his omnipotent manner.
A standout vignette is King and Adeline's discussion of Caravaggio's Judith. In fact the more I think about that discussion, the ramifications, the understandings drawn from the painting, the more I am awed by the way Bowen uses that work to give leverage to the tensions and understandings between King and Adeline. A discussion that heightens the aloneness that is part of both these coldly capable people whose surface personas cover volcanic depths. This is a fulcrum moment in this fabulously well written taut novella. Everything pivots. The earth moves.
It follows that the initial sexual congress between King and Adeline would be supercharged with promise and longing. After all, "like recognizes like."
When these two join forces the result is explosive. Secrets are revealed, yet the sky doesn't fall Chicken Little.
What can I say, only that the story of these two Marvel type anti heroes, dangerous and decisive, honorable and astute, combining smoking hot sexuality with tenderness and loss is absolutely captivating.
This novella packs so much punch that the length is irrelevant. The story reigns supreme.
A Forever Grand Central Publishing ARC via NetGalley
King, "Lord of London's underworld," always enigmatic and aloof. Dangerous!
I felt King's story was going to be something special, I knew this was going to be a five star read before I'd reached the end of the first page.
King witnesses a fight in a darkened alleyway between three ruffians and a mysterious angel with a rapier and a knife. He is both disturbed and intrigued, "He might not know who this woman was, but he knew what she was—one who understood what lurked in the dark corners of the soul. Like recognized like, after all."
What follows is a story that reaches into the depth of King's dark corners, exposing who he is and matches him with a stunning partner grown from similar hidden places.
Adeline Archambault sees in King something that causes her to stumble, to be wary. He is "predatory and remote. Piercing and impenetrable."
In her line of work Adeline uses the nom de plume "Adrestia ... ‘the inescapable.’ Goddess of retribution and vengeance.” Adeline prefers the notion of "justice."
She infiltrates King's annual art and valuables auction at his home Helmsdale House, breaking into his study in search for a specific jewel. All to do with justice! Of course King is present, standing silently in the shadows in his omnipotent manner.
A standout vignette is King and Adeline's discussion of Caravaggio's Judith. In fact the more I think about that discussion, the ramifications, the understandings drawn from the painting, the more I am awed by the way Bowen uses that work to give leverage to the tensions and understandings between King and Adeline. A discussion that heightens the aloneness that is part of both these coldly capable people whose surface personas cover volcanic depths. This is a fulcrum moment in this fabulously well written taut novella. Everything pivots. The earth moves.
It follows that the initial sexual congress between King and Adeline would be supercharged with promise and longing. After all, "like recognizes like."
When these two join forces the result is explosive. Secrets are revealed, yet the sky doesn't fall Chicken Little.
What can I say, only that the story of these two Marvel type anti heroes, dangerous and decisive, honorable and astute, combining smoking hot sexuality with tenderness and loss is absolutely captivating.
This novella packs so much punch that the length is irrelevant. The story reigns supreme.
A Forever Grand Central Publishing ARC via NetGalley
November 20, 2019
Kelly Bowen did it! She totally did it! If you have been waiting for King's story for years, as I had, fear not and grab this amazing book as soon as you can!
The dangerous, mysterious, enigmatic King, the "lord of London's underworld", who solves problems when others can't, gets you what you want, and demands a steep price for it. Now King has met his match, Adeline Archambault - Adrestia - the "goddess of retribution"; she gives people peace of mind and revenge. King has one unresolved issue and Adeline will help him; this he cannot do alone.
NIGHT OF THE SCOUNDREL starts out with a bang with the introduction of the magnificent Adeline, and the story continues in the same fashion to the perfect conclusion. As much as I wanted King's story, I was afraid some things would change, but Kelly Bowen stayed faithful to the character while providing us with his horrifying backstory, which made him the man he is.
The atmosphere remains as dark as it had been every time King appeared in a novel, where danger and secrets lurk around every corner, and few are to be trusted. This is not a story for the faint of heart; King's world is a brutal one, so is Adeline's. They are extraordinary characters, beautifully fleshed out, lethally seductive, ideally suited to each other, and their romance is entirely convincing. Their attraction is visceral, powerful; the romance evolves exactly as it should have.
The writing is impeccable, flowing and eloquent; the dialogues meaningful and deep; the descriptions vibrant; and every emotion - from tenderness to passion to murderous rage - expressed in startling clarity. I had hoped that Ms. Bowen would give King a satisfactory story, and she went above and beyond: NIGHT OF THE SCOUNDREL is epic, spectacular, phenomenal. It was well worth the wait; I am ecstatic! If you don't know the fabulous King, it's high time to meet him.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The dangerous, mysterious, enigmatic King, the "lord of London's underworld", who solves problems when others can't, gets you what you want, and demands a steep price for it. Now King has met his match, Adeline Archambault - Adrestia - the "goddess of retribution"; she gives people peace of mind and revenge. King has one unresolved issue and Adeline will help him; this he cannot do alone.
NIGHT OF THE SCOUNDREL starts out with a bang with the introduction of the magnificent Adeline, and the story continues in the same fashion to the perfect conclusion. As much as I wanted King's story, I was afraid some things would change, but Kelly Bowen stayed faithful to the character while providing us with his horrifying backstory, which made him the man he is.
The atmosphere remains as dark as it had been every time King appeared in a novel, where danger and secrets lurk around every corner, and few are to be trusted. This is not a story for the faint of heart; King's world is a brutal one, so is Adeline's. They are extraordinary characters, beautifully fleshed out, lethally seductive, ideally suited to each other, and their romance is entirely convincing. Their attraction is visceral, powerful; the romance evolves exactly as it should have.
The writing is impeccable, flowing and eloquent; the dialogues meaningful and deep; the descriptions vibrant; and every emotion - from tenderness to passion to murderous rage - expressed in startling clarity. I had hoped that Ms. Bowen would give King a satisfactory story, and she went above and beyond: NIGHT OF THE SCOUNDREL is epic, spectacular, phenomenal. It was well worth the wait; I am ecstatic! If you don't know the fabulous King, it's high time to meet him.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 29, 2019
Night of the Scoundrel by Kelly Bowen is book 3.5 in The Devils of Dover Series. This is the story of Adeline and King. I have read the previous books which I think helped with my enjoyment and understanding of this one but you could make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. King is a mysterious underworld who has gotten the name King. King is out for revenge and needs the help of Adeline. Adeline is just a mysterious as King. When they start working together of course their feelings take over. I am a big fan of Ms. Bowen so this was a must read for me.
November 19, 2023
King runs into Adeline Archambault and gets The Boners. After he discovers her stealing from him, he hires her to ruin the man who destroyed his life. They bond, bone, etc.
1. Eh. By the end of this, both characters have undergone such a Power of Love transformation that I was kind of bored? Like, the supercompetent criminals are gone, replaced by good hearted land owners who might dabble.
2. King's whole thing was whatever??
3. Adeline was merely there to melt King's icy heart and heat his burning loins. Whatever???
1. Eh. By the end of this, both characters have undergone such a Power of Love transformation that I was kind of bored? Like, the supercompetent criminals are gone, replaced by good hearted land owners who might dabble.
2. King's whole thing was whatever??
3. Adeline was merely there to melt King's icy heart and heat his burning loins. Whatever???
December 11, 2019
If you've read the Devils of Dover or the Season to Scandal series, you were probably, like me, waiting eagerly for King's story. The powerful and enigmatic man we know as some kind of Lord of London's underworld had many secrets and it's now time to learn about them.
An heartbreaking past,
A dangerous present,
What's in King's future?
I'm not saying. But if you know the man, than you can guess that only a special woman could catch his attention and win his heart.
If you've never read this author before, I think this novella would make a great introduction to Kelly Bowen's books for new readers. A mix of romance, intrigues and ventures.
An heartbreaking past,
A dangerous present,
What's in King's future?
I'm not saying. But if you know the man, than you can guess that only a special woman could catch his attention and win his heart.
If you've never read this author before, I think this novella would make a great introduction to Kelly Bowen's books for new readers. A mix of romance, intrigues and ventures.
February 13, 2021
As the undisputed ruler of the London underworld, the man known simply as King is shrouded in danger and mystery. No one knows his true name or origins, not even the one man he calls friend. When the man who betrayed him years ago, a man he believed dead, returns to London, King is determined to have his revenge. But King can't trust himself not to simply kill the man, so in order to make sure his enemy truly suffers, he'll need an unlikely helper.
Adeline Archambault is also surrounded by mystery. Since her family was destroyed by the French Revolution she has lived a life in exile, working to bring peace and justice to those her hire her to seek retribution from their enemies. Now she's determined to reclaim her family's vineyard in France and try to find some measure of peace for herself. When King offers to help her achieve her goal in exchange for her assistance, she cannot refuse, but the unseemly deal rapidly leads her to hope for things she never dared dream of.
This book was fast-paced and I couldn't put it down. I loved finally learning King's story and my goodness was it heart wrenching. Even though this was only novella length, I found it to be very emotional. Adeline was the perfect foil for King and his learning how to trust and open up to another person again was as lovely as it was gut-wrenching. He had so many layers and it great to see them peeled back. With the nearly instant attraction these two had and their deeper connection beyond the physical, the pacing of their story felt perfect. This was a fantastic story with an absolutely fabulous, rather tragic anti-hero turned hero in truth.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Adeline Archambault is also surrounded by mystery. Since her family was destroyed by the French Revolution she has lived a life in exile, working to bring peace and justice to those her hire her to seek retribution from their enemies. Now she's determined to reclaim her family's vineyard in France and try to find some measure of peace for herself. When King offers to help her achieve her goal in exchange for her assistance, she cannot refuse, but the unseemly deal rapidly leads her to hope for things she never dared dream of.
This book was fast-paced and I couldn't put it down. I loved finally learning King's story and my goodness was it heart wrenching. Even though this was only novella length, I found it to be very emotional. Adeline was the perfect foil for King and his learning how to trust and open up to another person again was as lovely as it was gut-wrenching. He had so many layers and it great to see them peeled back. With the nearly instant attraction these two had and their deeper connection beyond the physical, the pacing of their story felt perfect. This was a fantastic story with an absolutely fabulous, rather tragic anti-hero turned hero in truth.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
December 8, 2020
I can’t tell you how long I’ve been waiting for King to get his own book. It feels like forever since Kelly Bowen introduced this shady, dark underworld boss and I have been hungry to know more about him ever since. I’ve got to say, I am a little disappointed that after all of the waiting he only gets a novella. Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad he got a story at all, but I definitely felt the lack of a full book.
I’m sure you may be able to enjoy this without having read Bowen's Devils of Dover series or even her Seasons for Scandal books. King was in all of those, though, and it definitely serves to heighten the anticipation. King can get anything. He can do anything. He skirts the line between a bad guy and a… not so bad guy? An obvious hero he is not. But I knew that his backstory would be delicious.
Here, we finally find out what that is. I don’t wanna spoil too much, but I will say that the heroine, Adeline, comes into his life about the same time a hated face from his past resurfaces. She is an agent of revenge for hire and he hops she can help him get justice for the wrongs of his youth. He doesn’t want to open up. He’s never told anyone the whole story. Yet he sees who she is beneath her hard shell and she is able to see the same in him.
I wish the dance between them… the falling in love… would have had more time to simmer. It felt rushed. And that’s the curse of the novella. It’s well written and the King backstory was as sad and twisted as I expected. And it did not feel trite or overly familiar. Because goodness knows I read a lot of tragic heroes and that would be easy to do.
I just wanted more. More time to draw out the mystery. More push and pull between King and Adeleine. More yearning. More.
Maybe I’m just being salty. It was good. But I know if it was a full length novel, it would’ve had the potential to rock my world.
I’m sure you may be able to enjoy this without having read Bowen's Devils of Dover series or even her Seasons for Scandal books. King was in all of those, though, and it definitely serves to heighten the anticipation. King can get anything. He can do anything. He skirts the line between a bad guy and a… not so bad guy? An obvious hero he is not. But I knew that his backstory would be delicious.
Here, we finally find out what that is. I don’t wanna spoil too much, but I will say that the heroine, Adeline, comes into his life about the same time a hated face from his past resurfaces. She is an agent of revenge for hire and he hops she can help him get justice for the wrongs of his youth. He doesn’t want to open up. He’s never told anyone the whole story. Yet he sees who she is beneath her hard shell and she is able to see the same in him.
I wish the dance between them… the falling in love… would have had more time to simmer. It felt rushed. And that’s the curse of the novella. It’s well written and the King backstory was as sad and twisted as I expected. And it did not feel trite or overly familiar. Because goodness knows I read a lot of tragic heroes and that would be easy to do.
I just wanted more. More time to draw out the mystery. More push and pull between King and Adeleine. More yearning. More.
Maybe I’m just being salty. It was good. But I know if it was a full length novel, it would’ve had the potential to rock my world.
December 4, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Night of the Scoundrel by Kelly Bowen is officially listed as being a Devils of Dover novella, which makes zero sense to me. I have no clue why the publisher decided to do that. This novella belongs to the Season for Scandal series and those who read this series would agree with me on that assessment. I don’t care if the hero, King, appeared in A Rogue by Night. King was introduced in the Season for Scandal series and his arc began there and now it ends in Night of the Scoundrel. The supporting characters from the Season for Scandal series also appeared in this novella. Furthermore, many important events from that series are briefly mentioned here. So if you haven’t read the Season for Scandal series, you will have no idea who the characters are and what they are referring to and you will be missing important pieces of information that are essential to King’s character growth. So…in my personal opinion, this novella does not stand alone. I would recommend that you read the Season for Scandal series first.
When I first found out that King’s story was only going to be a novella, I was disappointed. He is an antihero who had a strong presence in the Season for Scandal series and the buildup for his character arc was exceedingly well-done. So I was worried that he would not get the kind of fully-fleshed out story that he deserves. Do I still think that King deserved a full-length novel? Hell yes. You can’t build a character like that and just give him a short novella. That’s equivalent to Lisa Kleypas giving Sebastian a novella or Elizabeth Hoyt giving Val a novella. It boggles the mind! That being said, I think Kelly Bowen managed to do justice to his character as best as she could. Despite being a novella, Night of the Scoundrel has a meaty storyline and King is paired up with the kind of heroine who is his perfect counterpart in every way. Night of the Scoundrel answers the questions I had about King, especially about his motivations for doing certain things in the Season for Scandal series. Ultimately, I enjoyed his character arc. Do I wish it was longer? Of course. If King was given a full-length story, he could have given other popular antiheroes a run for their money. But I’m satisfied with the novella that Kelly Bowen gave us.
Night of the Scoundrel by Kelly Bowen is officially listed as being a Devils of Dover novella, which makes zero sense to me. I have no clue why the publisher decided to do that. This novella belongs to the Season for Scandal series and those who read this series would agree with me on that assessment. I don’t care if the hero, King, appeared in A Rogue by Night. King was introduced in the Season for Scandal series and his arc began there and now it ends in Night of the Scoundrel. The supporting characters from the Season for Scandal series also appeared in this novella. Furthermore, many important events from that series are briefly mentioned here. So if you haven’t read the Season for Scandal series, you will have no idea who the characters are and what they are referring to and you will be missing important pieces of information that are essential to King’s character growth. So…in my personal opinion, this novella does not stand alone. I would recommend that you read the Season for Scandal series first.
When I first found out that King’s story was only going to be a novella, I was disappointed. He is an antihero who had a strong presence in the Season for Scandal series and the buildup for his character arc was exceedingly well-done. So I was worried that he would not get the kind of fully-fleshed out story that he deserves. Do I still think that King deserved a full-length novel? Hell yes. You can’t build a character like that and just give him a short novella. That’s equivalent to Lisa Kleypas giving Sebastian a novella or Elizabeth Hoyt giving Val a novella. It boggles the mind! That being said, I think Kelly Bowen managed to do justice to his character as best as she could. Despite being a novella, Night of the Scoundrel has a meaty storyline and King is paired up with the kind of heroine who is his perfect counterpart in every way. Night of the Scoundrel answers the questions I had about King, especially about his motivations for doing certain things in the Season for Scandal series. Ultimately, I enjoyed his character arc. Do I wish it was longer? Of course. If King was given a full-length story, he could have given other popular antiheroes a run for their money. But I’m satisfied with the novella that Kelly Bowen gave us.
November 24, 2019
Full disclosure, this is my first experience with Kelly Bowen. I haven't read any of her books, including the three books in The Devils of Dover series prior to this novella.
I admit that I feel a little lost in the beginning -- because I wasn't familiar with King and other characters that seemed to be very close to the man. However, I was immersed to the story soon enough. I was swept away with the emotion, when King saw the man he thought was dead. The man from his past. And how King asked for Adeline to help him.
I loved Adeline immediately. She was able to stand head-to-toe against King -- outsmarted him, even. But she also able to give King what he needed the most, to deal with needs and wants, to let someone in, to share the truth about his past. I got teary eyed a little bit near the end. I thought King and Adeline were good for each other, and even if this is only a novella length, I feel satisfied.
Based on several reviews I read about the other books, I think King is quite a character, that readers are looking forward to read his stories soon. I'm not sure if they will be as satisfied as I am because his story is only a novella. But I hope they do...
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I admit that I feel a little lost in the beginning -- because I wasn't familiar with King and other characters that seemed to be very close to the man. However, I was immersed to the story soon enough. I was swept away with the emotion, when King saw the man he thought was dead. The man from his past. And how King asked for Adeline to help him.
I loved Adeline immediately. She was able to stand head-to-toe against King -- outsmarted him, even. But she also able to give King what he needed the most, to deal with needs and wants, to let someone in, to share the truth about his past. I got teary eyed a little bit near the end. I thought King and Adeline were good for each other, and even if this is only a novella length, I feel satisfied.
Based on several reviews I read about the other books, I think King is quite a character, that readers are looking forward to read his stories soon. I'm not sure if they will be as satisfied as I am because his story is only a novella. But I hope they do...
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
November 26, 2019
**ARC provided by Forever Yours (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley**
READ 25 Nov 2019 (★★★)
NIGHT OF THE SCOUNDREL by Kelly Bowen is a smart/well-written novella about kindred souls—an honourable “anti-hero” H & a justice-seeking h—who unexpectedly find love when their paths cross. It’s a quick & easy read, perfect as a mini-break from year-end obligations/frenzy. And great intro for readers new to Bowen’s titles.
FWIW, I approached this novella mostly as re-intro to Bowen’s writing. Given its novella length, I d/n expect in-depth romance or charaterisations (barely remember King from previous books & think h is new character). Thus, I simply enjoyed NIGHT OF THE SCOUNDREL for the story & writing (even if decision at end puzzled me somewhat).
FYI: when I sat down to read ARC, I posted following update on GR:
READ 25 Nov 2019 (★★★)
NIGHT OF THE SCOUNDREL by Kelly Bowen is a smart/well-written novella about kindred souls—an honourable “anti-hero” H & a justice-seeking h—who unexpectedly find love when their paths cross. It’s a quick & easy read, perfect as a mini-break from year-end obligations/frenzy. And great intro for readers new to Bowen’s titles.
FWIW, I approached this novella mostly as re-intro to Bowen’s writing. Given its novella length, I d/n expect in-depth romance or charaterisations (barely remember King from previous books & think h is new character). Thus, I simply enjoyed NIGHT OF THE SCOUNDREL for the story & writing (even if decision at end puzzled me somewhat).
FYI: when I sat down to read ARC, I posted following update on GR:
“Going in totally blind—d/n even read blurb. Know I read some of Kelly Bowen’s earlier titles but not this series. So got ARC solely on basis of beautifully-done cover & author name.”So imagine my surprise when I realised that past incidents & cameos by certain secondaries relate back to Bowen’s Season for Scandal series, *not* the Devils of Dover series. But then, IDK if the H &/or h appear in any Devils of Dover book or if Bowen contemplates their re-appearance in a future one. Thus, this novella may be disappointment for fans of DoD series (or those who hoped King would get his own full-length book) & bonus for those of SoS.
November 21, 2019
I've got an arc from Netgalley in exchange of an honest opinion.
I have conflicting feelings about this novella because the author created King's idk if you can call it legend, aura, maybe? during a lot of her books and I think his redemption needed more than one sentences of "I didn't really mean it, i was protecting her,lol" and the amount of times he called her angel on his mind in the first chapter made me feel really annoyed. I was expecting way more of King's story, and I don't think I got it. And I feel really cruel saying this, but it is my honest opinion. And, anyways, I'm sure other people will like it, I just couldn't.
I have conflicting feelings about this novella because the author created King's idk if you can call it legend, aura, maybe? during a lot of her books and I think his redemption needed more than one sentences of "I didn't really mean it, i was protecting her,lol" and the amount of times he called her angel on his mind in the first chapter made me feel really annoyed. I was expecting way more of King's story, and I don't think I got it. And I feel really cruel saying this, but it is my honest opinion. And, anyways, I'm sure other people will like it, I just couldn't.
October 28, 2022
read this in one scandalous night
January 14, 2020
I have been waiting for King's story foreeeeeeever. And while I'm kinda sad it only ended up as a novella, the story itself was the kind I'd hoped for.
March 30, 2020
"I'm in heaven
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
And I seem to find the happiness I seek"
With a novella about a supporting character who is not weak.
Pretty good rhyming, huh? Eat your heart out Irving Berlin. King! Yes I got my wish. Kelly Bowen has given us a gift in this short story by bringing King to life. You remember King; he is one of the best secondary characters ever! He is on that ladder with my all-time favorite, Cat, from The Windflower, by Laura London. While that old classic, written in 1984, does not stand up to the test of time, Cat does. I, along with a gazillion other readers, always thought Cat deserved his own book. However, Laura London, aka Sharon and Tom Curtis, were never able to come up with a good story for him. Anyway, Kelly Bowen created King, a wonderful supporting character who is a little rough around the edges.
King is one of those intriguing characters who run around the dark streets of England. He is mysterious, he's alpha, he is hot, and I found him intriguing. I always find it fascinating when an author creates a secondary character, who jumps out of the pages. I have heard of characters taking over the story, and I suspect authors are as drawn to them as their audience. I also suspect that they have a hard time controlling them, especially when authors are trying to create a different narrative. I think the whole struggle between an author and a character is intriguing. When an author creates an irresistible secondary character, who the public raves about, there is always a danger that when that character"s story comes out, it will not live up to our expectations. Well, let me tell you, even though this story is a short one, it fulfilled the promises made when King first appeared on the scene. Sigh.
So, we are happy that King was able to maintain his character without changing. However, who has Ms. Bowen picked as his heroine? Well Ms. Bowen went with a more mature woman, who has also had some hard knocks. Lurking behind our heroines facade was a mystery waiting to be solved. When King first encounters her, she is fighting some ruffians in a dark street. Does he rush to her assistance? Does he try to save a damsel in distress? Nope. He just watches. Why does he just watch? Well he thinks she does not need his help. How he could deduce that in the dark was beyond me, but then I am not an enigmatic character in a book. Maybe it was the sword and knife she had in her hands. Enter Adeline Archambault.
Adeline Archambault is on a mission. She even has a code name. She is a super power, out to right wrongs and bring justice to those who need it, like King. King has a doozy of a backstory. Do not be worried, my little Petunia’s, you will all find out what his sad story is. All will be revealed in only 133 pages.
Adeline and King’s dialogue was a thing of beauty. There was humor, and pathos. They understand each other, they uncover each other’s secrets, they balance each other out, and they are perfect for each other.
Did I have any issues? Yes, it was not a full-length novel. I wanted King and Adeline’s story to go on longer. However, when I consider the power contained within these two characters, maybe the short story format was a better choice. I am not sure how well these two overwhelming characters would have fared if given 100 more pages to consume.
Anyway, Night of the Scoundrel was simply delightful. If you have read any of the other books in the series, you will want to partake of this one. I am doing a happy dance right now because Ms. Bowen made my holiday season just a little bit brighter. I suggest you read Night of the Scoundrel.
PS: Thanks to Irving Berlin's Cheek to Cheek, for the lyrics that are lovely. The next sentence is really: "When we're out together dancing, cheek to cheek." Mr. Berlin didn't say anything about supporting characters in his tune.
And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak
And I seem to find the happiness I seek"
With a novella about a supporting character who is not weak.
Pretty good rhyming, huh? Eat your heart out Irving Berlin. King! Yes I got my wish. Kelly Bowen has given us a gift in this short story by bringing King to life. You remember King; he is one of the best secondary characters ever! He is on that ladder with my all-time favorite, Cat, from The Windflower, by Laura London. While that old classic, written in 1984, does not stand up to the test of time, Cat does. I, along with a gazillion other readers, always thought Cat deserved his own book. However, Laura London, aka Sharon and Tom Curtis, were never able to come up with a good story for him. Anyway, Kelly Bowen created King, a wonderful supporting character who is a little rough around the edges.
King is one of those intriguing characters who run around the dark streets of England. He is mysterious, he's alpha, he is hot, and I found him intriguing. I always find it fascinating when an author creates a secondary character, who jumps out of the pages. I have heard of characters taking over the story, and I suspect authors are as drawn to them as their audience. I also suspect that they have a hard time controlling them, especially when authors are trying to create a different narrative. I think the whole struggle between an author and a character is intriguing. When an author creates an irresistible secondary character, who the public raves about, there is always a danger that when that character"s story comes out, it will not live up to our expectations. Well, let me tell you, even though this story is a short one, it fulfilled the promises made when King first appeared on the scene. Sigh.
So, we are happy that King was able to maintain his character without changing. However, who has Ms. Bowen picked as his heroine? Well Ms. Bowen went with a more mature woman, who has also had some hard knocks. Lurking behind our heroines facade was a mystery waiting to be solved. When King first encounters her, she is fighting some ruffians in a dark street. Does he rush to her assistance? Does he try to save a damsel in distress? Nope. He just watches. Why does he just watch? Well he thinks she does not need his help. How he could deduce that in the dark was beyond me, but then I am not an enigmatic character in a book. Maybe it was the sword and knife she had in her hands. Enter Adeline Archambault.
Adeline Archambault is on a mission. She even has a code name. She is a super power, out to right wrongs and bring justice to those who need it, like King. King has a doozy of a backstory. Do not be worried, my little Petunia’s, you will all find out what his sad story is. All will be revealed in only 133 pages.
Adeline and King’s dialogue was a thing of beauty. There was humor, and pathos. They understand each other, they uncover each other’s secrets, they balance each other out, and they are perfect for each other.
Did I have any issues? Yes, it was not a full-length novel. I wanted King and Adeline’s story to go on longer. However, when I consider the power contained within these two characters, maybe the short story format was a better choice. I am not sure how well these two overwhelming characters would have fared if given 100 more pages to consume.
Anyway, Night of the Scoundrel was simply delightful. If you have read any of the other books in the series, you will want to partake of this one. I am doing a happy dance right now because Ms. Bowen made my holiday season just a little bit brighter. I suggest you read Night of the Scoundrel.
PS: Thanks to Irving Berlin's Cheek to Cheek, for the lyrics that are lovely. The next sentence is really: "When we're out together dancing, cheek to cheek." Mr. Berlin didn't say anything about supporting characters in his tune.
December 20, 2020
4.5 ⭐
Woot woot, voilà ENFIN le tome sur King, un des personnages qui m'a le plus intrigué ces dernières années au cours de mes lectures ! Voilà 6 tomes que Kelly Bowen entretient le mystère à son sujet, 6 tomes que le mystère s'épaissit, 6 tomes qu'on meurt d'envie de savoir QUI est cet homme, ce qu'il cache, quelle vie il a, réellement, et dans quelles circonstances il va lui aussi trouver l'amour.
Alors pour être honnête, quand j'ai vu que l'autrice ne lui avait pas consacré de tomes complet, mais seulement une nouvelle d'une centaine de pages, j'étais profondément déçue, et frustrée d'avance. J'ai donc commencé cette lecture en étant un peu perplexe, et rapidement, tout de suite même, je me suis laissée envoûter par la plume de Kelly Bowen, cette fois sans le filtre de la traduction (eh oui, ça y est, j'ai franchi le cap et j'ai lu mon 1er histo en VO !!). Dès le début, je me suis laissée happer par le récit, la scène d'ouverture étant fantastique.
On découvrira beaucoup de choses au sujet de King au cours de cette nouvelle, les masques mettront du temps à tomber ; cet homme se barricade à triple tour côté sentiments et émotions, et il fallait une femme comme Adeline/Adrestia, son égale, pour que sa reddition soit effective.
Cette femme est extraordinaire, Kelly Bowen a encore une fois mis en scène une héroïne badass, une vengeresse habile, efficace, intelligente et belle (le combo fatal). C'est un vrai bonheur de trouver ce type de personnage féminin dans un genre habituellement si contraint. Adeline est une guerrière maniant l'art des mots avec autant de précision qu'elle le fait avec ses diverses lames et épées.
Elle et King forment un duo flamboyant et passionné, le genre de duo qui ravage tout sur son passage quand ils unissent leur force dans un but commun.
L'intrigue principale est haletante, sombre et vraiment prenante. Une fois commencé, on ne peut plus s'arrêter, car voir les réactions de King par rapport à ce qui se passe, voir Adeline jouer un rôle aussi actif dans tout ça, en apprendre davantage sur ce personnage qui nous a tant intriguées et avoir des surprises jusqu'au bout, c'est un vrai plaisir de lecture, ce genre d'envie de lire qui vous prend et ne vous lâche plus jusqu'à ce que vous ayez terminé. Et, une fois encore, ce que j'aime par-dessus tout ici, c'est que l'héroïne est l'égale de l'homme. Ils peuvent mutuellement compter l'un sur l'autre, mais elle n'a pas besoin de d'être protégée, elle n'est pas passive, et elle prend autant de risques que lui, sinon plus. En écho au tome précédent, la figure de Judith joue un rôle ici, et j'ai aimé la symbolique autour du panier, aussi sanglant et violent que cela soit, car cela démontre une confiance et une aide absolue envers l'autre.
Kelly Bowen aurait pu s'attarder davantage sur la romance et nous offrir un tome complet, mais au final, je trouve ce livre parfait comme il est, tout est bien dosé. La romance est intense et passionnée, elle a ce petit côté désespéré et déchirant dont je raffole, au vu de l'histoire de King et Adeline, des blessures qu'ils traînent tous les deux et de leur méfiance naturelle.
Une très bonne lecture donc, largement à la hauteur de mes attentes !
Woot woot, voilà ENFIN le tome sur King, un des personnages qui m'a le plus intrigué ces dernières années au cours de mes lectures ! Voilà 6 tomes que Kelly Bowen entretient le mystère à son sujet, 6 tomes que le mystère s'épaissit, 6 tomes qu'on meurt d'envie de savoir QUI est cet homme, ce qu'il cache, quelle vie il a, réellement, et dans quelles circonstances il va lui aussi trouver l'amour.
Alors pour être honnête, quand j'ai vu que l'autrice ne lui avait pas consacré de tomes complet, mais seulement une nouvelle d'une centaine de pages, j'étais profondément déçue, et frustrée d'avance. J'ai donc commencé cette lecture en étant un peu perplexe, et rapidement, tout de suite même, je me suis laissée envoûter par la plume de Kelly Bowen, cette fois sans le filtre de la traduction (eh oui, ça y est, j'ai franchi le cap et j'ai lu mon 1er histo en VO !!). Dès le début, je me suis laissée happer par le récit, la scène d'ouverture étant fantastique.
On découvrira beaucoup de choses au sujet de King au cours de cette nouvelle, les masques mettront du temps à tomber ; cet homme se barricade à triple tour côté sentiments et émotions, et il fallait une femme comme Adeline/Adrestia, son égale, pour que sa reddition soit effective.
Cette femme est extraordinaire, Kelly Bowen a encore une fois mis en scène une héroïne badass, une vengeresse habile, efficace, intelligente et belle (le combo fatal). C'est un vrai bonheur de trouver ce type de personnage féminin dans un genre habituellement si contraint. Adeline est une guerrière maniant l'art des mots avec autant de précision qu'elle le fait avec ses diverses lames et épées.
"You are magnificent with both your wits and your weapons."
Elle et King forment un duo flamboyant et passionné, le genre de duo qui ravage tout sur son passage quand ils unissent leur force dans un but commun.
L'intrigue principale est haletante, sombre et vraiment prenante. Une fois commencé, on ne peut plus s'arrêter, car voir les réactions de King par rapport à ce qui se passe, voir Adeline jouer un rôle aussi actif dans tout ça, en apprendre davantage sur ce personnage qui nous a tant intriguées et avoir des surprises jusqu'au bout, c'est un vrai plaisir de lecture, ce genre d'envie de lire qui vous prend et ne vous lâche plus jusqu'à ce que vous ayez terminé. Et, une fois encore, ce que j'aime par-dessus tout ici, c'est que l'héroïne est l'égale de l'homme. Ils peuvent mutuellement compter l'un sur l'autre, mais elle n'a pas besoin de d'être protégée, elle n'est pas passive, et elle prend autant de risques que lui, sinon plus. En écho au tome précédent, la figure de Judith joue un rôle ici, et j'ai aimé la symbolique autour du panier, aussi sanglant et violent que cela soit, car cela démontre une confiance et une aide absolue envers l'autre.
Kelly Bowen aurait pu s'attarder davantage sur la romance et nous offrir un tome complet, mais au final, je trouve ce livre parfait comme il est, tout est bien dosé. La romance est intense et passionnée, elle a ce petit côté désespéré et déchirant dont je raffole, au vu de l'histoire de King et Adeline, des blessures qu'ils traînent tous les deux et de leur méfiance naturelle.
Une très bonne lecture donc, largement à la hauteur de mes attentes !
November 23, 2019
Kelly Bowen has done it again! I’d been anxious to know the enigmatic King’s story ever since Bowen’s Seasons of Scandal series. He’d seemed so merciless, ruthless, and unfeeling. I just knew there had to be more to him than what he allowed others to see. Boy, was there ever!
King was a bad boy. One of those dark and dangerous men that you know will be trouble. The kind of man you know you should avoid but he has the ability to make the mercury rise from within the pages of his story. Who could blame Adeline for falling for him and getting caught up in his world? Adeline was perfect for King. She was a survivor just like him. Both had lived among aristocrats and criminals. Both had survived brutal pasts. Pasts that made them into the people they were. Alone and weary of “surviving in a world where honor was scarce and trust scarcer still”. They saw each other for who they were and they understood and accepted each other. When a demon from King’s past, a past he’d never healed from, emerges, King and Adeline work together to destroy the man. But in doing so, layers of their own lives are peeled back and exposed. Secrets revealed. Where each had thought that would make them weak, they learned that those secrets and grief lose their power when exposed. That needing someone can only make you stronger. And help you to find healing and peace.
This entire series is masterfully written with a mesmerizing plot and characters that come alive. King was such a complex character. One you didn’t know whether to love or hate. But Kelly Bowen exposed the man behind the myth he’d carefully constructed. He became a hero I could root for. Adeline helped him to let all that pain go. She was the only woman strong enough to challenge someone so powerful and threatening.
This story may have been short on length but it’s jam packed with the passion, intrigue, and danger of a full length novel. Such an emotional yet satisfying story! Fans of Bowen’s The Devils of Dover series will be absolutely thrilled with King’s story.
King was a bad boy. One of those dark and dangerous men that you know will be trouble. The kind of man you know you should avoid but he has the ability to make the mercury rise from within the pages of his story. Who could blame Adeline for falling for him and getting caught up in his world? Adeline was perfect for King. She was a survivor just like him. Both had lived among aristocrats and criminals. Both had survived brutal pasts. Pasts that made them into the people they were. Alone and weary of “surviving in a world where honor was scarce and trust scarcer still”. They saw each other for who they were and they understood and accepted each other. When a demon from King’s past, a past he’d never healed from, emerges, King and Adeline work together to destroy the man. But in doing so, layers of their own lives are peeled back and exposed. Secrets revealed. Where each had thought that would make them weak, they learned that those secrets and grief lose their power when exposed. That needing someone can only make you stronger. And help you to find healing and peace.
This entire series is masterfully written with a mesmerizing plot and characters that come alive. King was such a complex character. One you didn’t know whether to love or hate. But Kelly Bowen exposed the man behind the myth he’d carefully constructed. He became a hero I could root for. Adeline helped him to let all that pain go. She was the only woman strong enough to challenge someone so powerful and threatening.
This story may have been short on length but it’s jam packed with the passion, intrigue, and danger of a full length novel. Such an emotional yet satisfying story! Fans of Bowen’s The Devils of Dover series will be absolutely thrilled with King’s story.
March 1, 2021
My Eyes Rolled Like Frantic Tumbleweeds
This story has "good bones," but turned out as if the skeleton made of those bones drank pots of espresso and was as hyper as a two-year-old at a birthday party.
The main characters rival Marvel superheroes. They are known by only one dramatic name and are able to perform physical feats like the best action film stars. The H and h fall in love at first sight in an alley, while she is thrashing several large thugs.
Hyperbole abounds. The hero did not just have a rough youth, he was tortured for years. Yet he plays the piano forte like a concert musician. The heroine and villain are similarly over-the-top.
My eyes rolled like snow in an avalanche tumbling through an unsuspecting Swiss village. Wait. That's the one wild event that wasn't used.
Here and there, bits of very good writing shone through, as well as promising plot points--if they could just get off steroids and calm down.
This story has "good bones," but turned out as if the skeleton made of those bones drank pots of espresso and was as hyper as a two-year-old at a birthday party.
The main characters rival Marvel superheroes. They are known by only one dramatic name and are able to perform physical feats like the best action film stars. The H and h fall in love at first sight in an alley, while she is thrashing several large thugs.
Hyperbole abounds. The hero did not just have a rough youth, he was tortured for years. Yet he plays the piano forte like a concert musician. The heroine and villain are similarly over-the-top.
My eyes rolled like snow in an avalanche tumbling through an unsuspecting Swiss village. Wait. That's the one wild event that wasn't used.
Here and there, bits of very good writing shone through, as well as promising plot points--if they could just get off steroids and calm down.
November 26, 2019
The enigmatic King takes the stage in this new addition to the Devils of Dover series. As you may have read from many of the reviews, his story was long in coming, but well worth the wait.
One of my favorite hero's... dark, mysterious, ruthless, but with a past that breaks your heart because you know this is a soul that needs to find love and acceptance or as near to that as possible.
He finds it in his female counterpart, Adeline Archambault. Deadly, take no prisoners and with that outer layer of armour just as King.
As these two come together, a combustable spark ignites and it may be like has found like and there may be a chance at a road to happiness if that is possible.
Amazing, intriguing, dark and romantic while keeping me riveted to the pages. What more can you ask for? Perfect.
One of my favorite hero's... dark, mysterious, ruthless, but with a past that breaks your heart because you know this is a soul that needs to find love and acceptance or as near to that as possible.
He finds it in his female counterpart, Adeline Archambault. Deadly, take no prisoners and with that outer layer of armour just as King.
As these two come together, a combustable spark ignites and it may be like has found like and there may be a chance at a road to happiness if that is possible.
Amazing, intriguing, dark and romantic while keeping me riveted to the pages. What more can you ask for? Perfect.
December 29, 2019
In this novella which concludes Kelly Bowen's The Devils of Dover series, we finally find out more about the mysterious King, who has been popping up in Bowen's books for a long time. A shadowy London crime lord with connections to smuggling, art forgery, theft and all sorts of other untoward business, he is not a man to cross. He discovers that a man he believed to be dead, a man who ruined his childhood and set him pretty directly on the path to where he is now, has resurfaced in London, and is hell bent on revenge.
Lucky for him, there is a woman of unique talents when it comes to delivering justice, whom he caught trying to steal from him. King makes a deal with the deadly Adeline Archambault and promises her more than she ever believed was possible, if she stays in London and helps him finally get justice from the man who betrayed him.
I've always liked King and suspected that he was more moral than some of his previous appearances made him seem. No one becomes a feared and undisputed crime boss in London without everyone believing you are utterly ruthless and without weakness. I'm not sure what background I imagined for him, but I've been hoping he would get his own story for a long time now. Adeline is, as Bowen's heroines tend to be, resilient, brave, resourceful and very good at her chosen profession. She has a lot of pain in her past too, which is probably why she's so attractive to King. I liked them a lot as a couple, and am sorry this was just a novella. I think the story was a bit too hurried, and would have liked a lot more page time with both characters.
Judging a book by its cover: The cover is fine, but nothing special. There's almost too much red there. I also wish that the lady cover model had been wearing trousers, which Adeline seemed to prefer to do for much of the story.
Lucky for him, there is a woman of unique talents when it comes to delivering justice, whom he caught trying to steal from him. King makes a deal with the deadly Adeline Archambault and promises her more than she ever believed was possible, if she stays in London and helps him finally get justice from the man who betrayed him.
I've always liked King and suspected that he was more moral than some of his previous appearances made him seem. No one becomes a feared and undisputed crime boss in London without everyone believing you are utterly ruthless and without weakness. I'm not sure what background I imagined for him, but I've been hoping he would get his own story for a long time now. Adeline is, as Bowen's heroines tend to be, resilient, brave, resourceful and very good at her chosen profession. She has a lot of pain in her past too, which is probably why she's so attractive to King. I liked them a lot as a couple, and am sorry this was just a novella. I think the story was a bit too hurried, and would have liked a lot more page time with both characters.
Judging a book by its cover: The cover is fine, but nothing special. There's almost too much red there. I also wish that the lady cover model had been wearing trousers, which Adeline seemed to prefer to do for much of the story.
November 27, 2019
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Romance, action, and intrigue all in one novella-sized package - I loved it!
Night of the Scoundrel was my first Kelly Bowen book, but it won't be my last. It's a great entry point into her storytelling and the Devils of Dover series. I loved that King and Adeline were an evenly matched pair in wit, skill and power dynamics. I hope that'll be the case with the rest of the series - I'm looking forward to picking it up!
Romance, action, and intrigue all in one novella-sized package - I loved it!
Night of the Scoundrel was my first Kelly Bowen book, but it won't be my last. It's a great entry point into her storytelling and the Devils of Dover series. I loved that King and Adeline were an evenly matched pair in wit, skill and power dynamics. I hope that'll be the case with the rest of the series - I'm looking forward to picking it up!
December 28, 2019
Perfect
Strong attraction amid a plot to administer justice makes this a compelling novella. I've always wanted Kings story! Tragic, yet with a hopeful ending.
Strong attraction amid a plot to administer justice makes this a compelling novella. I've always wanted Kings story! Tragic, yet with a hopeful ending.
December 29, 2019
4.5 stars This was exactly the King story I needed. Thank you, Kelly Bowen. It was a thrilling historical romance.
January 22, 2020
I knew King's story would be a good one. I just wish these two had gotten a full novel.
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February 8, 2020King needed his own book, not a little novella.
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