The Scoundrel

The Rogues of Ravensmuir #2

by Claire Delacroix

Gawain Lammergeier, the brother of Merlyn (hero of "The Rogue") is a thief, and robbed Lady Evangeline's family years ago. Now she seeks revenge by charming Gawain so she can break his heart. She doesn't plan on losing her own. Original.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Medieval, Scotland

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Claire Delacroix sold her first book in 1992, an historical romance called ROMANCE OF THE ROSE. Since then, she has published over sixty romance novels and novellas, and has also been published under the names Claire Cross and Deborah Cooke. She has an honours degree in history, with a focus on medieval studies. She is an avid reader of medieval vernacular literature, fairy tales and fantasy novels.

For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

For books written under Claire's own name, Deborah Cooke, please see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.

Visit her two websites here:
http://www.delacroix.net
http://www.deborahcooke.com

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Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Scoundrel by Claire Delacroix is a 2014 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


What a clever and unique story!

Gawain steals a priceless relic, only to have it stolen from him after a night of passion. The woman who so enchanted him, boldly leaves a clue behind, daring Gawain to find her.

Find her he does, but when he learns the lady's true identity and the history behind the relic, he is stunned.

Lady Evangeline of Iverfyre desperately needs the relic to restore her father’s keep, which has fallen on very hard times. But, although she seduces Gawain, she must fulfill her duty, while wishing for just one more night with Gawain.

But, when Gawain finally tracks her down, the two engage in a battle of wits, each determined to own the relic, but unable to satisfy the deepest hunger they have for each other.

But, the situation grows very serious, when Evangeline is accused of murder and must fight for her freedom and fulfil her destiny, which will mean marriage to someone other than Gawain.


Medieval is one of my very favorite historical romance sub-genres, and I have been in the right mood to immerse myself in ancient times that are filled with danger and intrigue.

Although this story is fraught with intrigue and danger, there was a slightly comical tone mixed in, especially with Gawain and Evangeline, who engage in some delightful banter, while attempting to outwit each other.

It was like a medieval style caper, which was a lot of fun. There is loads of action and adventure, and the love story is quite unique, with Gawain and Evangeline always at odds, but unable to imagine living without each other, even if they don’t want to admit it.

Gawain is a very tough nut to crack and I did wonder about his character, as he did a pretty good job of convincing me he was a rogue all the way to the core. But, of course, it’s plain to see that Evangeline holds his heart in her hands, right from the very beginning.

Overall, this one felt like a slight departure from most medieval tales, since it had a much lighter tone, and was devoid of graphic battle scenes, and other heavier elements common in this era of time. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

4 stars

[Dorine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trickery is common to a thief and Gawain Lammergeier has exemplary skill as one. Could Gawain really be a victim of a theft, by the woman who seduced him?

A wanton woman deliciously seduces Gawain Lammergeier and steals his precious ancient relic. Is this temptress truly Lady Evangeline of Inverfyre and the rightful owner of the relic?

Gawain admits he has been duped by the woman who brazenly seduced him. While he was in exhausted slumber, she made off with his prized possession and his future. Then, to add insult to injury, she stole his steed and left him a missive daring him to retrieve what she so easily lifted from him.

Intrigued, Gawain cannot ignore a dare and proceeds to follow the clues left by the lady. He knows he will be entering a trap at Inverfyre and tries to blend in at the keep. Much to his advantage, two men immediately befriend him, and Gawain is mistaken as another man who has been away a long time. He has the perfect disguise, or so he thinks.

Lady Evangeline of Inverfyre returns to her keep with her treasured relic, fully intent on spending the rest of her life only dreaming of her night with Gawain Lammergeier. The ancient relic owned by her family will hopefully restore the falconry business sorely needed by her starving people.Taunting Gawain to follow her, Evangeline cannot resist another stolen night spent in his arms. Their desire for each other preludes all sense of danger, until Gawain realizes there is more to this lady than he imagined.

Gawain barely escapes the keep and the danger he did not expect; only to discover the relic he has stolen a second time, is once again gone. The mistaken weight of the relic he thought he was carrying is actually the spawn of the man Gawain had been portraying to gain entrance to the keep. He had been duped again not only by Evangeline, but also by the mystical healer who saved his life when he escaped. Why had the old woman given him this gift? Gawain realizes too late that the disguise he so cleverly accepted may not have been a good idea after all.

When Evangeline is suspected of a murder, the pair find themselves thrown together once again because of their goals of each owning the treasured relic. Can Evangeline ensure the legacy of Inverfyre for her people and her descendants? Will Gawain allow Evangeline to marry another to complete her destiny? Who is the murderer?

CLAIRE DELACROIX has created a delightful romp through medieval times in a game of cat and mouse. Gawain's subtle humor and irresistible rogue tendencies, kept me wondering what out-of-character deed he would surprise me with next. Evangeline is a strong heroine who loves her people and does everything within her power to accomplish what is expected of her to fulfill her legacy. Evangeline's propensity to go against what is expected of a lady continues to keep the couple's fire burning. THE SCOUNDREL is an enjoyable read; mixed with passion, humor and an unexpected plot that kept me turning the pages.

Review Courtesy of Romance Junkies.

[Maricar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Applause for Ms. Claire Delacroix, my first time to read and I'm looking for more of her works.

[Viveka · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I read the first book in this series, so can't say wether it was the same as 'The Scoundrel', but I had a really hard time getting into this book, and I'm not sure I ever got really immersed in it. It's written in first person, we get to follow Gawain and Evangeline separately in different chapters and in a way that makes it seem like the person currently "speaking" is speaking to you as a reader. This, combined with the language and the fact that there were quite a few errors (words missing mainly) made it difficult for me to get emotionally invested, and I had to struggle to keep going at times.

Apart from this the plot is great, I liked how strong Evangeline is (even though her strenght and determination gets her into trouble) and the ending was very satisfying!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to have the background on the 3 families. Should have read this series first.

[Beachbaby]

In boxed set - "All's Fair in Love and War: Four Enemies-to-Lovers Medieval Romances"

[Mary Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The back and forth of this one had me a bit annoyed, but the mystery was good.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had two strong characters, both set in their beliefs and what they wanted out of life. Evangeline is a very modern woman who sets out to steal back an artifact that was taken from her family 15 years ago. She seduces Gawain by playing a whore and after their night together, she leaves with the artifact. Now Gawain won' stop till he confronts her and has another taste of this woman that he craves. When he arrives at her home, he discovers plots, enemies, and the threat to doing something honorable. It was a fun cat and mouse pairing between the two of them, each stealing from the other the same artifact. The conflict was strong, the plot was steady, and for the most part the love story sweet with a teensy bit of emotional strife and turmoil thrown in.

For those who love great and passionate love scenes, this one doesn't have it. There is passion and they do have sex a lot, but nothing is described. It was like the romances in the 90s. It starts with passionate kissing and then you go to the next paragraph or turn the page and it is the next day. This lack didn't detract from the love story and I liked the two characters quite a bit, just want to give you a heads up about what to expect and not.

My one negative about this story is about Gawain's lack of desire to marry and believe in love. He was so against a true relationship. For the majority of the story he staid steadfast and harsh in what he wanted out of life and what he Didn't, and he didn't want her long term. Then he was suddenly fine with it once they are in Sicily. I don't understand what caused him to change his mind so abruptly. He didn't explain to her why he suddenly wanted her in his life after being so against it. It would have been more believable if she left him and he came to realize his mistake and went after her, or if he explained that when she almost died he realized he needed her in his life. But even after she almost died, he is still against it and remote around her all throughout their travels from England to Sicily, so I don't know what changed for him. I would have liked it if when he tested her in Sicily, she proved to him she loved him but wasn't going to push him. She accepted who he was and what he wanted and if his original proposal was no longer available than she would not get in his way of his dreams. Or something along those lines. That was my only negative, I don't understand what ended up changing his mind. I am glad his mind changed and I loved their wedding, that was romantic and sweet!
Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review.

[Chicken Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book thanks to Goodreads Free Giveaway program. Thank you very much! =)

I never read anything by C. Delacroix before, so I was curious and didn't know what to expect. Just let me say this: don't miss out on her books!! I opened the first page and was immediately captivated by one of the best stories I have ever read. There is so much going on in this book: passion, integrity, loyalty, betrayal, love, honesty, greed and much, much more.

Evangeline knows that the fate of her beloved realm, Inverfyre, relies on finding the Titulus, a sacred relic that will ensure the wellness of the realm itself. She tricks the thief of the Titulus into bedding her, and steals the relic away from him. That is, however, just the beginning, as she will soon discover that so much more is going on at Inverfyre than she thought. As she falls more and more in love with Gawain, she will uncover a web of lies and deceit that's bringing Inverfyre on the verge of poverty. Somebody is set on ruining the realm for his own devious purposes. Evangeline and Gawain will stop at nothing to right a wrong and reclaim what's theirs.

Beautifully written, this story captured me from the very first page and never let go until the end. I felt transported back in time by the exquisite descriptions of rooms, clothes and customs. Medieval times really come alive in this story that is so much more than a simple romantic adventure.

To Goodreads, the author and everyone who is part of the giveaway program, once again a heartfelt thank you: I am truly grateful! =)

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Scoundrel by Claire Delacroix. This is actually the second book in a set but stands on it own.

Set in Scotland in the 1300s, Evangeline, the Lady of Inverfyre seeks to reclaim a relic that was stolen from her home 15 years ago. Her home has grown poor and the people are going hungry. She believes that restoration of the Titulus will set everything right and restore Inverfyre to its former glory and prosperous times. She finds the scoundrel whose father took the relic years ago. Luckily, he has just stolen it for himself. Evangeline finds him in a tavern and seduces him quite successfully, stealing back her birthright.

However, Gawain cannot easily dismiss this thievery or the lady’s seductions. Biding his time, he plans to go to Inverfyre to steal back the Titulus. However, what he finds there is not what he expected. He discovers secrets and those that would seek to do Evangeline ill. Though he is a self-proclaimed scoundrel with no honor, his heart leads him to act otherwise.

This book was definitely a quick read. I enjoyed the historical setting and the fast pace. It’s not really the type of book that I’d put at the top of my reading list, but I did find it entertaining.

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

These days, it's nice to read a romance novel that doesn't have vampires and werewolves or whips and handcuffs. (This novel was published in 2003, but the sentiment stands.) There's still a decent amount of supernatural lore that sets up the third book in the trilogy, if you desperately need some supernatural with your romance.
I liked the main characters, Evangeline and Gawain. I was skeptical of their instant chemistry. Even so, Evangeline was one of the more likable romance heroines. She's neither wholly arrogantly self-reliant nor wholly dependent on the hero. She does her best to be a leader in a masculine society. Gawain is the titular scoundrel. . . . and there's really nothing that I can add to that characterization.
I was skeptical, too, that they kept coming together (pun intended). The plot revolves around both of their desires/needs for a religious relic of dubious provenance, which is both Gawain's inheritance and the key to Evangeline's suzerainty. They steal it from one another throughout the book. Sometimes, I wanted to counsel them to just let it go.
All in all, it's a light and enjoyable read with characters who aren't annoying.

[Melissa Cannito · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading The Scoundrel and fell in love with Claire Delacroix’s writing. She covers this love story with wit, humor, and intrigue.

I first met Gawain Lammergeier in The Rogue as a minor character who appears near the end of that book. In The Scoundrel we see what Fate bestows upon him from his deeds from that book. Although he appears in the first book this is an independent book which stands on its own. Gawain’s and Evangeline of Inverfyre have a wonderful relationship of lust, hate, love and intrigue. We watch Gawain grow up to the realizations of the world around him and the needs of others, especially Evangeline. Evangeline feels fated to hold her father’s estate together while infiltrated forces try to tear it apart. Gawain feels protective of Evangeline and keeps her from making wrong decisions. She learns to spread her wings and fly.

I enjoyed this book and appreciated that it was written from both Gawain and Evangeline’s view points.I cannot wait to start Claire Delacroix’s next book.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a historical romance set in medieval Scotland. Evangeline needs to recover a family heirloom that was stolen from their home. Gawain has the icon and plans to sell it. The interactions between these two were entertaining and the story was full of surprises. The book was very well-written and enjoyable. This can be read as a stand alone book, though it is also the second book in a series. I can't wait to read the next one! Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[BobaFett114 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love medieval romances is and I love Scotland, so this book was perfect for me! Gawain owns a treasure that rightfully belongs to Evangeline's family. She must get it back even if it means seducing and sleeping with Gawain. She is able to steal it back, but Gawain pursues her. I love the way these two obstinate people interacted. The romance of the time period, the setting and the two characters won me over. It was very well written as well!

***Copy gifted by publisher in exchange for an honest review***

[Bernadette Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Evangeline of Inverfyre seduces Galwain Lammergeier in order to retrieve a precious relic, "Titulus Croce" and Galwain, a thief, cannot believe that he was taken in so completely by her charms and beauty. Thus begins an elaborate game of cat and mouse between Evangeline and Galwain over the infamous relic and family treasure that have been in her family for generations.
It is also a story of treachery and second chances and finding new purpose in life.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story! There were a few moments where I got a little lost, but overall it was a great read. The way certain items kept disappearing and reappearing was worked in quite well. Sometimes I thought something was lost for good and then it would appear cleverly in someone's possession! The interactions between Gawain and Evangeline are fun. I look forward to reading the next one in the series! Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way this book ends! I loved the second half tremendously! And the beginning was a WOW! There were a couple of places that seemed to drag and not progress but so worth the read. I love the change that happens in Gawain, how he is so proud of being unreliable and yet he cannot help but give aid to Evangeline again and again. A bad boy is the best! I was given an ARC for an honest review.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful! Fast-paced and well written. This lovely story is full of passion, humor and many twists. Charming, entertaining and just a wonderful read. It is truly a cat and mouse medieval story with many traps! You will find that this is one of those books you do not want to put down. Thoroughly enjoyable!

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review”
Lady Evangeline wants to get back what was stolen from her family. however what she didn't expect was to fall the one who took it.
Gawain Lammergeier will not be made a fool . He falls for the charms of a woman who plays him for a fool.
Let the adventure begin!!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scoundrel is an enchanting story with captivating medieval history and detail. So pleased to read a story that is cleverly written from beginning to end. Thrilled to have found this author. I look forward to sampling many more of her offerings.

[Ami Steel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book on first reads ! The book was interesting it sounded like a good adventure / romance
The content was racier then what I read so I stopped .

[Mindy]

I just love these books! I cant say enough.

[Kristina Franken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for anyone

FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.

[Marla Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and was thrilled that the girl got the guy. the scoundrel was actually the princess in my view. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Lori Motsavage · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title sums it up pretty well. He’s wronged just about everyone. Can love save him? This is for anyone who enjoys a well told and written romance or historical fiction.