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Again, Scoundrel
AGAIN, SCOUNDREL
Some second chances are impossible to resist…
Three years ago, American heiress Violet Goodwin shared a charged, “almost-kiss” with the dashing Captain Alistair Crawford. But when fate reunites them in Victorian London, they are no longer the same starry-eyed young dreamers they once were.
Now a determined nurse fighting for better maternal healthcare, Violet has sworn off marriage in favor of her mission. Alistair, once a hopeful naval officer, has returned from his time with the East India Company disillusioned, nearly penniless, and drowning his disappointments in vice. With a dream of launching his own trading company, he strikes a desperate bargain with a clever fellow captain—help him woo a wealthy heiress, and the funds will follow.
The only problem? The heiress in question is Violet.
As their undeniable chemistry reignites, Alistair must will he fight for his future or for the woman he can’t forget? And can Violet risk her carefully built independence for the one man who could truly break her heart?
With wit, passion, and a heroine ahead of her time, Again, Scoundrel is a sweeping second-chance romance about love, ambition, and how sometimes letting go is the only way to hold on to what truly matters.
Some second chances are impossible to resist…
Three years ago, American heiress Violet Goodwin shared a charged, “almost-kiss” with the dashing Captain Alistair Crawford. But when fate reunites them in Victorian London, they are no longer the same starry-eyed young dreamers they once were.
Now a determined nurse fighting for better maternal healthcare, Violet has sworn off marriage in favor of her mission. Alistair, once a hopeful naval officer, has returned from his time with the East India Company disillusioned, nearly penniless, and drowning his disappointments in vice. With a dream of launching his own trading company, he strikes a desperate bargain with a clever fellow captain—help him woo a wealthy heiress, and the funds will follow.
The only problem? The heiress in question is Violet.
As their undeniable chemistry reignites, Alistair must will he fight for his future or for the woman he can’t forget? And can Violet risk her carefully built independence for the one man who could truly break her heart?
With wit, passion, and a heroine ahead of her time, Again, Scoundrel is a sweeping second-chance romance about love, ambition, and how sometimes letting go is the only way to hold on to what truly matters.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2025
63 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 6, 2025
Sometimes all you need is a good old-fashioned historical romance — and this one absolutely hits the spot!
The story follows Violet, an American in London who, after a personal tragedy, sets out to study medicine and become a nurse. Then there’s Alistair, the second son of a marquess and a former navy officer, carrying the emotional weight of his experiences with the East India Company. They met once, three years ago, and now fate brings them back into each other’s lives.
What really makes this book stand out is that, beyond the clear pull between them, both characters are fully fleshed-out individuals with dreams and goals of their own. They feel like real people, and their choices genuinely matter. That, to me, is the book’s biggest strength. Alistair is probably my favorite type of hero — a little brooding, yet with a great heart. Violet, on the other hand, is truly a heroine who wants to forge her own path. And while she does, to some extent, receive a fairly traditional happily ever after, her independent mindset still feels convincing given the time period.
Speaking of romance, it’s marketed as a second-chance romance, and that’s true… to an extent. It’s not the usual take on the trope. The characters want to be together, but because of their personal ambitions and emotional struggles, they drift apart — only to find their way back to each other again. The tension between them is wonderfully written, and the gradual shift from physical attraction to genuine love feels authentic and well-paced.
Beyond the romance, the book also touches on a range of other themes — from the harsh realities of Victorian life to identity, sexuality, and medicine. I do wish it had been just a bit longer; some of these threads could have used more space, and it would’ve given the romance more time to develop as well. But honestly, that’s a minor complaint — especially knowing there's a sequel coming, with some of the characters returning.
Definitely one to pick up if you're in the mood for something heartfelt and atmospheric!
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows Violet, an American in London who, after a personal tragedy, sets out to study medicine and become a nurse. Then there’s Alistair, the second son of a marquess and a former navy officer, carrying the emotional weight of his experiences with the East India Company. They met once, three years ago, and now fate brings them back into each other’s lives.
What really makes this book stand out is that, beyond the clear pull between them, both characters are fully fleshed-out individuals with dreams and goals of their own. They feel like real people, and their choices genuinely matter. That, to me, is the book’s biggest strength. Alistair is probably my favorite type of hero — a little brooding, yet with a great heart. Violet, on the other hand, is truly a heroine who wants to forge her own path. And while she does, to some extent, receive a fairly traditional happily ever after, her independent mindset still feels convincing given the time period.
Speaking of romance, it’s marketed as a second-chance romance, and that’s true… to an extent. It’s not the usual take on the trope. The characters want to be together, but because of their personal ambitions and emotional struggles, they drift apart — only to find their way back to each other again. The tension between them is wonderfully written, and the gradual shift from physical attraction to genuine love feels authentic and well-paced.
Beyond the romance, the book also touches on a range of other themes — from the harsh realities of Victorian life to identity, sexuality, and medicine. I do wish it had been just a bit longer; some of these threads could have used more space, and it would’ve given the romance more time to develop as well. But honestly, that’s a minor complaint — especially knowing there's a sequel coming, with some of the characters returning.
Definitely one to pick up if you're in the mood for something heartfelt and atmospheric!
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 12, 2025
A riveting second chance romance, set in Victorian England, brings together an American heiress/nurse and a handsome British Naval officer -- again! Loved the setting, characters, and the hope engendered by this engaging histficrom tale. Enjoy!
June 3, 2025
2.5 rounded up to 3⭐️ mixed bag for me 😩
I wanted to love this book! The aristocratic ex-naval captain and the nurse seemed so promising! Unfortunately, it was constructed as a ‘second chance romance’ but the first chance isn’t a solid enough basis for the second imo. As a result it felt like the story took off without me really understanding WHY THESE TWO until about 80% of the way through.
I found the plot dragged in the middle and the sex scenes were a bit clunky. On the positive side, the last 20% of the book was genuinely excellent. I found I was starting to understand the characters as people, not caricatures and why they needed to be together. The author is talented and I hope to read more of their work in which that kind of delicious pace and chemistry finds itself at more like 30-40%.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to love this book! The aristocratic ex-naval captain and the nurse seemed so promising! Unfortunately, it was constructed as a ‘second chance romance’ but the first chance isn’t a solid enough basis for the second imo. As a result it felt like the story took off without me really understanding WHY THESE TWO until about 80% of the way through.
I found the plot dragged in the middle and the sex scenes were a bit clunky. On the positive side, the last 20% of the book was genuinely excellent. I found I was starting to understand the characters as people, not caricatures and why they needed to be together. The author is talented and I hope to read more of their work in which that kind of delicious pace and chemistry finds itself at more like 30-40%.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2025
4.5/5 Alistair and Violet shared a few minutes on a balcony before he left to captain a ship and she finished the season and returned to New York. When they meet again three years later, they’re different people. Life experiences have since pulled back the lenses of innocence and naivety. Violet is now focused on nursing as her future and Alistair can’t raise funding to start his shipping and trading business and leave England again fast enough.
I really enjoyed this debut story where the MC each have their owns dreams and the path to a HEA wasn’t smooth but worth it.
One of the plot points was the recurring reference to Alistair’s actions as a pendulum. The hot and cold doesn’t usually work for me, but it did here. He’s referred to as inconstant but his feelings for Violet never seemed to be in question. Sure, Alistair struggles with the order he should go about how to get his life on track and the feelings for Violet that resurface once they meet again. But it was one of the factors that kept me engaged in the story. I liked that Alistair didn’t come back from his time with East India Company with a fortune, that he’s still trying to make his own way. And it was messy and imperfect but it made the story more relatable and compelling.
I enjoyed Violet’s character. She’s a New York heiress and nurse and adjacent to the peerage from her aunt’s marriage. Violet uses the leeway all of this provides to pursue her dreams. She’s intelligent, strong, and independent; and is what attracts Alistair in the first place.
There is a lot going on in the story but I never felt frustrated or bogged down by it. The romance aspect was always part of the driving factor with the other goings on, keeping it balanced.
Again, Scoundrel is the author’s debut book and first in The Mavericks series. I’m looking forward to her future work.
It’s mid steam with two explicit open door encounters and a fade to black scene.
I received an advance reader copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this debut story where the MC each have their owns dreams and the path to a HEA wasn’t smooth but worth it.
One of the plot points was the recurring reference to Alistair’s actions as a pendulum. The hot and cold doesn’t usually work for me, but it did here. He’s referred to as inconstant but his feelings for Violet never seemed to be in question. Sure, Alistair struggles with the order he should go about how to get his life on track and the feelings for Violet that resurface once they meet again. But it was one of the factors that kept me engaged in the story. I liked that Alistair didn’t come back from his time with East India Company with a fortune, that he’s still trying to make his own way. And it was messy and imperfect but it made the story more relatable and compelling.
I enjoyed Violet’s character. She’s a New York heiress and nurse and adjacent to the peerage from her aunt’s marriage. Violet uses the leeway all of this provides to pursue her dreams. She’s intelligent, strong, and independent; and is what attracts Alistair in the first place.
There is a lot going on in the story but I never felt frustrated or bogged down by it. The romance aspect was always part of the driving factor with the other goings on, keeping it balanced.
Again, Scoundrel is the author’s debut book and first in The Mavericks series. I’m looking forward to her future work.
It’s mid steam with two explicit open door encounters and a fade to black scene.
I received an advance reader copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 16, 2025
In this sweet Victorian romance novel we will meet an American Heiress and the second son of a English Lord who briefly met only to go their separate ways and be reunited a couple years later. However when they meet up again things have changed drastically for them. Will they be able to rekindle something that was starting to develop or will it forever be lost.
We are introduced to a young American heiress named Violet who has come to be a companion for her cousins london season. She has a strong desire for nursing but no schools will approve of a woman practicing medicine. Due to a tragedy that happened years before. she vows that she will never marry. However things change when she meets up with the dashing Allistair a nobldman who arises some arousing feelings in her.
Overall this was a very good book. It was sweet and romantic and had a great historical beauty to it.
I received an arc copy from book sirens and all opinions are of my own.
We are introduced to a young American heiress named Violet who has come to be a companion for her cousins london season. She has a strong desire for nursing but no schools will approve of a woman practicing medicine. Due to a tragedy that happened years before. she vows that she will never marry. However things change when she meets up with the dashing Allistair a nobldman who arises some arousing feelings in her.
Overall this was a very good book. It was sweet and romantic and had a great historical beauty to it.
I received an arc copy from book sirens and all opinions are of my own.
June 29, 2025
A lovely debut
I really enjoyed this debut from Kay Denner. The romance was fun and fast-paced, and I read it in a single weekend. I am already invested in the love stories of a half-dozen other characters! Kay Denner is one to watch in historical romance!
I really enjoyed this debut from Kay Denner. The romance was fun and fast-paced, and I read it in a single weekend. I am already invested in the love stories of a half-dozen other characters! Kay Denner is one to watch in historical romance!
May 7, 2025
Gosh I just love finding swoon worthy debut novels!
Set in the 1850s, Violet Goodwin has worked hard to become a nurse when most women did not consider having employment. She travels to London as she’s promised to be a companion to her cousin Catherine for her second season. Which is fine with her, as she has no plans to marry herself.
Alistair Crawford has retired as a sea Captain, down on his luck and trying to start anew with developing a shipping trade company. But when he runs into Violet, whom he met three years before at a party, he is reminded of their undeniable chemistry and almost kiss.
I LOVED this! There is nothing better than a strong, intelligent, and courageous FMC in a historical romance novel.
Cannot wait for Book 2 in this series!
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Kay K. Denner, and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.
Set in the 1850s, Violet Goodwin has worked hard to become a nurse when most women did not consider having employment. She travels to London as she’s promised to be a companion to her cousin Catherine for her second season. Which is fine with her, as she has no plans to marry herself.
Alistair Crawford has retired as a sea Captain, down on his luck and trying to start anew with developing a shipping trade company. But when he runs into Violet, whom he met three years before at a party, he is reminded of their undeniable chemistry and almost kiss.
I LOVED this! There is nothing better than a strong, intelligent, and courageous FMC in a historical romance novel.
Cannot wait for Book 2 in this series!
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Kay K. Denner, and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.
June 7, 2025
Thanks to Booksirens for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a new to be author and the blurb caught my eye. This is a historical romance about an American heiress in Victorian England. When Violet Goodwin first meets Captain Alistair Crawford, they were both young and starry eyed. She was a young wealthy woman of privilege enjoying the balls of London. He was the younger son of an aristocrat about the embark on a new career with the East India Company. They shared a brief, but memorable meeting.
But three years later, when they meet again, it is under very different circumstances, and they have both been marked and changed by their experiences in the meantime. Violet has lost a loved one to illness and has since chosen to eschew the social expectations of her status as the daughter of a rich industrialist, and has devoted her life to learning medicine and to become a nurse. She takes her role to heart, wanting to make that her life's goal. Alistair has had failed to build a career with the Company, and has been scarred by he has seen of their work in India (the sins of colonialism). He has hopes of returning to England and gaining funding to start a shipping enterprise, but faces of the wall of his father's disapproval. Alistair has a lot of his own family angst and history to overcome and that is a large part of his own sense of worth and what motivated his life choices as well.
The opportunity to partner with someone in trade arises, but in order to help fund that dream, he must lean into his social ties, tattered though they are, in order to gain access to an heiress with a prized dowry. The heiress of note? Violet herself.
Alistair finds himself remembering his attraction to Violet then, but becoming more intrigued by the Violet she has become, which puts his current plans of how to fund his part of his new business venture at risk. Violet proves herself to be intelligent, brave, and stands by her convictions, not wanting to compromise herself to fit into what London society expects. She earns Alistair's respect, love and desire, and he sees her as more than a dowry, but because of his own past failings, and poor sense of self esteem, he does not feel he is worthy of her love yet. He seeks to redeem himself and make himself, but the only way he thinks he can do that is through success in his new business.
The characters are likeable and relatable. There is a lot of family angst and misunderstanding which went into shaping Alistair's world view and I am glad with how some of that has turned out. And I enjoyed the medicine aspects of the story, being a nurse myself.
4 stars out of 5
This is a new to be author and the blurb caught my eye. This is a historical romance about an American heiress in Victorian England. When Violet Goodwin first meets Captain Alistair Crawford, they were both young and starry eyed. She was a young wealthy woman of privilege enjoying the balls of London. He was the younger son of an aristocrat about the embark on a new career with the East India Company. They shared a brief, but memorable meeting.
But three years later, when they meet again, it is under very different circumstances, and they have both been marked and changed by their experiences in the meantime. Violet has lost a loved one to illness and has since chosen to eschew the social expectations of her status as the daughter of a rich industrialist, and has devoted her life to learning medicine and to become a nurse. She takes her role to heart, wanting to make that her life's goal. Alistair has had failed to build a career with the Company, and has been scarred by he has seen of their work in India (the sins of colonialism). He has hopes of returning to England and gaining funding to start a shipping enterprise, but faces of the wall of his father's disapproval. Alistair has a lot of his own family angst and history to overcome and that is a large part of his own sense of worth and what motivated his life choices as well.
The opportunity to partner with someone in trade arises, but in order to help fund that dream, he must lean into his social ties, tattered though they are, in order to gain access to an heiress with a prized dowry. The heiress of note? Violet herself.
Alistair finds himself remembering his attraction to Violet then, but becoming more intrigued by the Violet she has become, which puts his current plans of how to fund his part of his new business venture at risk. Violet proves herself to be intelligent, brave, and stands by her convictions, not wanting to compromise herself to fit into what London society expects. She earns Alistair's respect, love and desire, and he sees her as more than a dowry, but because of his own past failings, and poor sense of self esteem, he does not feel he is worthy of her love yet. He seeks to redeem himself and make himself, but the only way he thinks he can do that is through success in his new business.
The characters are likeable and relatable. There is a lot of family angst and misunderstanding which went into shaping Alistair's world view and I am glad with how some of that has turned out. And I enjoyed the medicine aspects of the story, being a nurse myself.
4 stars out of 5
May 31, 2025
Huge thank you to the publisher for the ARC!
3.25 stars ⭐️ This one was cute! The first 25% had me giggling and swooning—Violet and Alistair’s banter was everything. Alistair’s yearning? Top tier perfection. I’m absolutely obsessed with him. He is the definition of “if he could, he would.” 🥰 I never thought I would be into a caption but Alistair changed that for me — no doubt in my mind!!
The historical aspect of the book was really fun—Violet’s role in practicing medicine was great to read about, and the author’s focus on her struggles was beautifully written.
The middle did slow down quite a bit, and I hate to say, I lost a bit of interest (😬). Not a ton was happening—or at least, it felt like the same things were happening on repeat—and the plot twists were visible from a mile away — which, I actually didn’t have issue with! The plot was a fun one!
The last 10%? HOOKED. The payoff was there, and it totally redeemed the slower sections for me. No doubt I’ll be picking up Go, Rogue when it comes out!
3.25 stars ⭐️ This one was cute! The first 25% had me giggling and swooning—Violet and Alistair’s banter was everything. Alistair’s yearning? Top tier perfection. I’m absolutely obsessed with him. He is the definition of “if he could, he would.” 🥰 I never thought I would be into a caption but Alistair changed that for me — no doubt in my mind!!
The historical aspect of the book was really fun—Violet’s role in practicing medicine was great to read about, and the author’s focus on her struggles was beautifully written.
The middle did slow down quite a bit, and I hate to say, I lost a bit of interest (😬). Not a ton was happening—or at least, it felt like the same things were happening on repeat—and the plot twists were visible from a mile away — which, I actually didn’t have issue with! The plot was a fun one!
The last 10%? HOOKED. The payoff was there, and it totally redeemed the slower sections for me. No doubt I’ll be picking up Go, Rogue when it comes out!
June 12, 2025
4 ⭐️
Alistair is back from his work with the East India Trade Company, worse for wear and disillusioned. While he drowns his sorrows in drink, he’s also seeking out an opportunity to start his own trading company. When he runs into an old Scottish friend who strikes a bargain, help him find a rich aristo wife (one in particular) and the two can start their joint venture, he thinks his future is set. Problem is, the woman he’s interested in pursuing is the same one who left Alistair in a twist three years ago when they almost kissed on a balcony. But Violet isn’t the same woman he met, having lost her twin brother and turning to a life of medicine, she’s more interested in infectious diseases than she is marriage. Still, despite their changes, the two can’t help but gravitate toward each other.
Alistair & Violet
The pair were both so young when they met, and after only a few years apart, they are so different from who they were before. Both have experienced life events that changed them. Honestly, that’s the thing I love most in second chance- the moments when they are trying to relearn each other again, and figure out if they are still meant to be, even if their puzzle pieces are shaped differently now. This book also featured so many great caretaking moments, and I specifically adored the moments when he assisted and gave her the space to be the rockstar nurse she is. He knows how to care for her and read her needs in ways even she can’t.
This was a sweet debut about two people rediscovering each other after a super hot meet-cute. They both have a noble mission (particularly our nurse heroine) and I enjoyed watching them navigate these duties with their desires. If you enjoy medical drama, this one's for you! There were times where I did get a bit squeamish, but that’s a me problem. I think the most exciting aspect of this book (and my favorite characters) were definitely both supporting besties for our mains- Catherine and McGann….who look like they may be next up in the series 😍
Alistair is back from his work with the East India Trade Company, worse for wear and disillusioned. While he drowns his sorrows in drink, he’s also seeking out an opportunity to start his own trading company. When he runs into an old Scottish friend who strikes a bargain, help him find a rich aristo wife (one in particular) and the two can start their joint venture, he thinks his future is set. Problem is, the woman he’s interested in pursuing is the same one who left Alistair in a twist three years ago when they almost kissed on a balcony. But Violet isn’t the same woman he met, having lost her twin brother and turning to a life of medicine, she’s more interested in infectious diseases than she is marriage. Still, despite their changes, the two can’t help but gravitate toward each other.
Alistair & Violet
The pair were both so young when they met, and after only a few years apart, they are so different from who they were before. Both have experienced life events that changed them. Honestly, that’s the thing I love most in second chance- the moments when they are trying to relearn each other again, and figure out if they are still meant to be, even if their puzzle pieces are shaped differently now. This book also featured so many great caretaking moments, and I specifically adored the moments when he assisted and gave her the space to be the rockstar nurse she is. He knows how to care for her and read her needs in ways even she can’t.
This was a sweet debut about two people rediscovering each other after a super hot meet-cute. They both have a noble mission (particularly our nurse heroine) and I enjoyed watching them navigate these duties with their desires. If you enjoy medical drama, this one's for you! There were times where I did get a bit squeamish, but that’s a me problem. I think the most exciting aspect of this book (and my favorite characters) were definitely both supporting besties for our mains- Catherine and McGann….who look like they may be next up in the series 😍
November 12, 2025
This was a beautifully written second chance historical romance. It was fun and entertaining with complex, strong-willed characters, a love that could not be denied, and a delightful ending. I highly recommend reading!
July 10, 2025
This read like a classic, warm historical romance, and Kay's writing style is perfect for the genre. Violet Goodwin is an American with no interest in marriage. She did have that one, mesmerizing encounter with a captain during her debut years ago, but that's no matter--she's a nurse now. A proficient, independent woman.
When she returns to London for her cousin's debut, she's none too pleased to wind up in the same circles as Alistair Crawford. He's just returned from sea, but there's no mistaking him--he's the one man that captured her interest all those years ago, and Violet is loathe to realize she's still affected by him.
I really enjoyed this book. The tension and banter between Violet and Alistair is fun, but their obvious care for each other is what really kept me turning the pages. They resist committing to each other for their own ambitious reasons, but they're not ashamed of their feelings and they aren't bad communicators (which I deeply appreciate). Both have some complicated pasts with their families, and it's great to see that resolved in a way that feels authentic and plausible.
Violet's medical skills also blend seamlessly into the story, and I have no doubt Kay did significant research to achieve this effect. I loved Violet's bottomless empathy for her patients, and how 'no nonsense' she is in the face of stressful situations.
Lovers of the genre should absolutely pick up this debut, and I'm excited for this author's future works (some of the side characters in this book are getting their own story!). It's a fabulous mix of swoon, steam, and that rich character development we all love.
When she returns to London for her cousin's debut, she's none too pleased to wind up in the same circles as Alistair Crawford. He's just returned from sea, but there's no mistaking him--he's the one man that captured her interest all those years ago, and Violet is loathe to realize she's still affected by him.
I really enjoyed this book. The tension and banter between Violet and Alistair is fun, but their obvious care for each other is what really kept me turning the pages. They resist committing to each other for their own ambitious reasons, but they're not ashamed of their feelings and they aren't bad communicators (which I deeply appreciate). Both have some complicated pasts with their families, and it's great to see that resolved in a way that feels authentic and plausible.
Violet's medical skills also blend seamlessly into the story, and I have no doubt Kay did significant research to achieve this effect. I loved Violet's bottomless empathy for her patients, and how 'no nonsense' she is in the face of stressful situations.
Lovers of the genre should absolutely pick up this debut, and I'm excited for this author's future works (some of the side characters in this book are getting their own story!). It's a fabulous mix of swoon, steam, and that rich character development we all love.
July 10, 2025
Very much enjoyed this debut novel about an American debutante turned nurse and a spare turned sailor who are both eschewing their proper fates to find purpose in their lives. It would be wrong to call this a second change romance as our MCs only meet briefly at a ball and don’t even have each others’ full names before they part ways for a few years. It more so is a insta lust that is rekindled with some will they won’t they can they should they vibes. The subplots of each MC and their families is also interesting and in FMC’s case I believe sets up the sequel.
A few qualms that prevented this from being a 5 star - I didn’t fully buy FMC’s story about the family tragedy and how she links it to pleasure or being carefree - felt a bit forced and perhaps her past actions could have been more overtly linked to what happened to make this ring true. I also feel like there should have been more build up to MMC’s reconciliation with her family - esp his dad - so the ending felt earned. I also felt like there wasn’t any meaningful time spend on MMC’s friendship with his Scottish partner to warrant the sudden familiarity and him being able to read MMC’s emotions and behavior accurately. I think a lot of this could have been solved with a 2 part prologue where maybe we meet our MCs when they are actively dealing with fallout from their choices/things that are happening around them, before we jump forward to the present day story of the book.
That being said I’m impressed with this author and will definitely be following and checking out their future work!
A few qualms that prevented this from being a 5 star - I didn’t fully buy FMC’s story about the family tragedy and how she links it to pleasure or being carefree - felt a bit forced and perhaps her past actions could have been more overtly linked to what happened to make this ring true. I also feel like there should have been more build up to MMC’s reconciliation with her family - esp his dad - so the ending felt earned. I also felt like there wasn’t any meaningful time spend on MMC’s friendship with his Scottish partner to warrant the sudden familiarity and him being able to read MMC’s emotions and behavior accurately. I think a lot of this could have been solved with a 2 part prologue where maybe we meet our MCs when they are actively dealing with fallout from their choices/things that are happening around them, before we jump forward to the present day story of the book.
That being said I’m impressed with this author and will definitely be following and checking out their future work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
This is a very sweet, very well-paced story. The author creates well-rounded characters. Her heroine is "feisty" and "spirited" but thank goodness the author avoids using those cliched adjectives. In fact, the author's vocabulary is rich and lovely. Her hero is not perfection itself, but a man who has his own work to do - so you did feel like the couple met each other on even footing and both had to face their demons. I loved the teaser at the end, and the side characters all felt like they had potential worlds and stories of their own. Highly recommend!
June 25, 2025
I am simple person. When I was browsing books and saw a focus on Regency Era medicine and maternal mortality, I was hooked. As the author notes at the end, maternal mortality continues to be a critical issue in the United States, and I am always up for my romance with a side of awareness raising.
Violet has no interest in marriage - she plans to use her skills as a nurse to help the less fortunate, while Alistair is planning to use his experience to open up a shipping company. Despite having insta-love, the two have to determine if their future plans are compatible enough.
I really enjoyed that the two main characters had a conflict that is still true to life today - determining whether they want the same things. My favourite part of the book was definitely Violet applying modern medical knowledge (I am the person who wishes Outlander was just all Claire seeing patients) and I loved the relationship between Violet and her cousin Catherine - which I suspect we will continue to learn more about in the next book.
This is the thinking woman's Bridgerton and I'd recommend to anyone who enjoyed Bridgerton or Outlander.
Violet has no interest in marriage - she plans to use her skills as a nurse to help the less fortunate, while Alistair is planning to use his experience to open up a shipping company. Despite having insta-love, the two have to determine if their future plans are compatible enough.
I really enjoyed that the two main characters had a conflict that is still true to life today - determining whether they want the same things. My favourite part of the book was definitely Violet applying modern medical knowledge (I am the person who wishes Outlander was just all Claire seeing patients) and I loved the relationship between Violet and her cousin Catherine - which I suspect we will continue to learn more about in the next book.
This is the thinking woman's Bridgerton and I'd recommend to anyone who enjoyed Bridgerton or Outlander.
June 27, 2025
A lovely twist on the English Lord and American heiress love story which I thoroughly enjoyed. Alistair and Violet were a joy to read about as they each fought their attraction, but for varying reasons. I especially loved how Violet saw Alistair for who he really was and loved him anyway, and that she was willing to risk her life for her patients. The fact that Violet helped put a torn family back together again is a big plus as well. Although I received a free advance review copy, my opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
May 21, 2025
Whew what a whirlwind of emotions with two of the most stubborn people on the planet!
We have Lord Alistair Crawford second son of the Marquess and Violet Goodwin an American heiress!
They met 3 years prior and shared a very interesting conversation that leads to an almost kiss!
Years later the attraction is there and Violet has changed! Loosing a loved one will do that and she has made promises that have her dressing most unbecoming and only venturing to London to assist her cousin Catherine on the season!
When these two meet again they butt heads often! Alistair feels family pressure and Violet wants to pursue nursing and have a purpose! But how can she possibly do that in London! For some reason she believes her dreams can only be fulfilled back in America!
She is stubborn and somewhat short sighted as Alistair loves her and asking her what it is she wants and needs!
She has to almost die almond with Alistair loved ones to realize that Love will find a way! Cheers for Alistair for not giving up! Bravo
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We have Lord Alistair Crawford second son of the Marquess and Violet Goodwin an American heiress!
They met 3 years prior and shared a very interesting conversation that leads to an almost kiss!
Years later the attraction is there and Violet has changed! Loosing a loved one will do that and she has made promises that have her dressing most unbecoming and only venturing to London to assist her cousin Catherine on the season!
When these two meet again they butt heads often! Alistair feels family pressure and Violet wants to pursue nursing and have a purpose! But how can she possibly do that in London! For some reason she believes her dreams can only be fulfilled back in America!
She is stubborn and somewhat short sighted as Alistair loves her and asking her what it is she wants and needs!
She has to almost die almond with Alistair loved ones to realize that Love will find a way! Cheers for Alistair for not giving up! Bravo
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2025
**NetGalley ARC**
Absolutely obsessed over this book. I love the time period of the 19th century and that Violet was a strong, independent, intelligent woman who didn’t care about the opinion of others. Which was obviously rare and frowned upon. The chemistry between Violet and Alistair was impeccable. I love a good slow burn romance but with both of these characters having such incredible backgrounds, it only made me root for them even more! I definitely appreciated the trigger warnings in the beginning regarding child loss, as I feel like reading that part unexpectedly would have bothered me. The story overall was so beautiful and beautifully written. And I LOVE that the spicy scenes were tasteful! I would 1000% recommend this to my fellow book besties ❤️
Absolutely obsessed over this book. I love the time period of the 19th century and that Violet was a strong, independent, intelligent woman who didn’t care about the opinion of others. Which was obviously rare and frowned upon. The chemistry between Violet and Alistair was impeccable. I love a good slow burn romance but with both of these characters having such incredible backgrounds, it only made me root for them even more! I definitely appreciated the trigger warnings in the beginning regarding child loss, as I feel like reading that part unexpectedly would have bothered me. The story overall was so beautiful and beautifully written. And I LOVE that the spicy scenes were tasteful! I would 1000% recommend this to my fellow book besties ❤️
August 3, 2025
A nurse with no time for marriage. A disillusioned captain with everything to prove. Three years after an almost kiss, Violet and Alistair are thrown back into each other’s orbit older, wiser, and still burning with unspoken longing. She’s fighting for maternal healthcare. He’s chasing a last chance at fortune. But when their futures collide, they’ll have to choose: ambition or the aching pull of the past. A beautifully written, slow burn second chance romance with just the right touch of angst and longing. I was hooked! #bookrecs #regencyromance #romance #books #reading #reader #bookrecommendations #bookreview
October 21, 2025
Following the untimely death of her twin brother James, Violet Goodwin, an American heiress and socialite, has taken the decision to dedicate her life to the study of medicine to become a nurse, as well as companion to her cousin Charlotte, who is seeking to climb the social ladder and make a prosperous marriage in Victorian London. When Violet arrives, she encounters the very person she thought she would never meet again following their very fleeting tryst three years before: Captain Alistair Crawford, now Lord Alistair Crawford, the younger and therefore inconsequential son of a Marquis, who found his own way in life by joining the Royal Navy.
Hence we have the start of a steamy romance at a time where much of the emphasis is on young ladies being out in society to grab a rich husband and excite the gossip of the 'ton' (a nod to the Bridgerton series of books here where the reference was used a lot and indeed it follows the same theme as those stories as well as to the Austen novels). On research, 'ton' was used mainly in Regency London and means 'good manners and etiquette', taken from the French phrase 'le bon ton'. Violet and Crawford's behaviour demonstrates anything but etiquette and the sex scenes are descriptive and erotic (as are those in Bonkerton, sorry, Bridgerton!); but the book doesn't go overboard with them, nor are they overly offensive; they merely display the explosive chemistry between the two characters that would have been frowned upon in polite society, a chemistry Violet tries really hard to ignore.
I had some sympathy for Crawford's character: while his mother and older brother are fond of him, his father doesn't hide the fact that his younger son is a disappointment, and Crawford's drinking habits and behaviour are a consequence of what he endured in his home environment. Violet is also battling demons: not only for what she feels for Crawford, but also being unable to forgive herself for her brother's death and to balance the confined life she desires to what is expected of her as an heiress. The other characters are merely supporting actors to help the plot along. The only other person of interest is Charlotte, who is less of an airhead than you might give her credit for, for a deb.
Often, when reading a historical novel based in Britain penned by an American author, I look out for anomalies. I cringed at the word 'okay' used once by the girl having the asthma attack trying to reassure her mother. I understand it might have been coined in Victorian America and the author is an American, but it would never have been used in England back then, especially not by the upper classes, anyway. I'm fine with 'knickers', although the English did generally refer to them as 'drawers' (Violet quite rightly points out that drawers are what you find in furniture, but such is the peculiarity of the English language!) Thank God there was no mention of 'panties'!
It's a minor quibble and I couldn't find much else to grumble about. Even the mention of asthma had me looking up the history, but the author has thoroughly done her homework. Enjoy the ride.
Hence we have the start of a steamy romance at a time where much of the emphasis is on young ladies being out in society to grab a rich husband and excite the gossip of the 'ton' (a nod to the Bridgerton series of books here where the reference was used a lot and indeed it follows the same theme as those stories as well as to the Austen novels). On research, 'ton' was used mainly in Regency London and means 'good manners and etiquette', taken from the French phrase 'le bon ton'. Violet and Crawford's behaviour demonstrates anything but etiquette and the sex scenes are descriptive and erotic (as are those in Bonkerton, sorry, Bridgerton!); but the book doesn't go overboard with them, nor are they overly offensive; they merely display the explosive chemistry between the two characters that would have been frowned upon in polite society, a chemistry Violet tries really hard to ignore.
I had some sympathy for Crawford's character: while his mother and older brother are fond of him, his father doesn't hide the fact that his younger son is a disappointment, and Crawford's drinking habits and behaviour are a consequence of what he endured in his home environment. Violet is also battling demons: not only for what she feels for Crawford, but also being unable to forgive herself for her brother's death and to balance the confined life she desires to what is expected of her as an heiress. The other characters are merely supporting actors to help the plot along. The only other person of interest is Charlotte, who is less of an airhead than you might give her credit for, for a deb.
Often, when reading a historical novel based in Britain penned by an American author, I look out for anomalies. I cringed at the word 'okay' used once by the girl having the asthma attack trying to reassure her mother. I understand it might have been coined in Victorian America and the author is an American, but it would never have been used in England back then, especially not by the upper classes, anyway. I'm fine with 'knickers', although the English did generally refer to them as 'drawers' (Violet quite rightly points out that drawers are what you find in furniture, but such is the peculiarity of the English language!) Thank God there was no mention of 'panties'!
It's a minor quibble and I couldn't find much else to grumble about. Even the mention of asthma had me looking up the history, but the author has thoroughly done her homework. Enjoy the ride.
July 3, 2025
The last time, American heiress, Violet Goodwin was in England, she met Lord Alistair Crawford on a dark terrace at a ball and almost shared a kiss with him, but their timing wasn’t right so they are just left with a memory of what could have been. Violet finishes her season without seeing him again and returns to America, thinking often of her scoundrel. But shortly after her return tragedy strikes and completely changes Violet’s future. After the death of her twin brother, Violet studies to become a nurse and has some success, enough that she decides that marriage is not her for her and focuses on her career. But fate has other plans for her, and she finds herself back in England to act as a companion to her cousin, Lady Catherine West. It is there that she is reunited with her scoundrel, but Violet is no longer a wide-eyed debutante, and she has no interest in renewing her flirtation with Alistair – at least that’s what she tells herself and anyone who will listen. But their paths keep crossing and denying her feelings is getting old, why can’t Alistair just make things easy for her; be a scoundrel, kiss her and leave? So, she can carry on with the life she has set for herself and stop wanting something she can never have?
Lord Alistair Crawford is the second son of the Marquess of Timsbury but has made his own way in life. He ran away from home at 15 and joined the Navy, then after 7 years, he left the Navy to join the East India Company with hopes of making his fortune. He met Violet on his last night in England before leaving for his post with the East India Company and as much as he wants her, he knows now is not the time and slips away, but he never forgets her. Three years later, Alistair is back in England, broke and disillusioned, without a true purpose, he is just throwing away his money on vice. But when Andrew McGann, an old friend, offers to make him a partner in a new shipping business in exchange for Alistair’s nobility connections to get him an introduction to an heiress, how can he say no? He agrees and then is dismayed to learn the heiress is none other than Violet. Will he be able to watch his friend woo the woman he wants for himself?
I have mixed feelings about this book, parts of it are great and other parts are a bit hard to believe. I liked Violet and Alistair, but they reminded me of the Katy Perry song Hot N Cold – they were both very mercurial and inconsistent. I also found Violet’s character completely unbelievable, because in less than 3 years, she studied medicine and becomes so knowledgeable that she is smarter than most doctors and is going to open her own hospital and add to that her constantly pointing out how irresponsible and inconsistent Alistair is, just made her a hard character to root for. She has a good heart, but seriously, Alistair nailed it when he said to her – “Pot and Kettle, Violet”. Overall, I enjoyed the book, I did think it was a bit too long and dragged in the middle, but it does have some very good characters, touches on issues like grief, women’s health, male domination and family dynamics, and it has some witty banter and spicy love scenes, so not a grand slam, but it does get on base. This book alludes to future installments, and I would definitely read Catherine and Andrew’s story!
NOTE: Be sure to check the content warnings before reading this book - there are scenes that might be triggering to some readers.
3.5 stars, rounded up
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Lord Alistair Crawford is the second son of the Marquess of Timsbury but has made his own way in life. He ran away from home at 15 and joined the Navy, then after 7 years, he left the Navy to join the East India Company with hopes of making his fortune. He met Violet on his last night in England before leaving for his post with the East India Company and as much as he wants her, he knows now is not the time and slips away, but he never forgets her. Three years later, Alistair is back in England, broke and disillusioned, without a true purpose, he is just throwing away his money on vice. But when Andrew McGann, an old friend, offers to make him a partner in a new shipping business in exchange for Alistair’s nobility connections to get him an introduction to an heiress, how can he say no? He agrees and then is dismayed to learn the heiress is none other than Violet. Will he be able to watch his friend woo the woman he wants for himself?
I have mixed feelings about this book, parts of it are great and other parts are a bit hard to believe. I liked Violet and Alistair, but they reminded me of the Katy Perry song Hot N Cold – they were both very mercurial and inconsistent. I also found Violet’s character completely unbelievable, because in less than 3 years, she studied medicine and becomes so knowledgeable that she is smarter than most doctors and is going to open her own hospital and add to that her constantly pointing out how irresponsible and inconsistent Alistair is, just made her a hard character to root for. She has a good heart, but seriously, Alistair nailed it when he said to her – “Pot and Kettle, Violet”. Overall, I enjoyed the book, I did think it was a bit too long and dragged in the middle, but it does have some very good characters, touches on issues like grief, women’s health, male domination and family dynamics, and it has some witty banter and spicy love scenes, so not a grand slam, but it does get on base. This book alludes to future installments, and I would definitely read Catherine and Andrew’s story!
NOTE: Be sure to check the content warnings before reading this book - there are scenes that might be triggering to some readers.
3.5 stars, rounded up
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
July 4, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this Victorian romance novel with a strong, determined heroine and a troubled hero. The well paced plot is very well written and full of emotion, self-empowerment, Saran’s, angst, humorous moments, banter and some steamy love scenes, but I wouldn't call it a second chance novel as the characters have only met once briefly before their lives and ambitions separate them again. Alistair never feels good enough and unloved and tries to achieve something for himself, but is continually disillusioned in the process. Violet is a wealthy heiress, but after a traumatic stroke of fate, she finds her calling and wants to make the world a better place. The instant attraction and tension between the two is palpable from the beginning and it was nice to see their relationship slowly develop despite their different goals and expectations.
Since the tragic death of her twin brother several years ago, the young American heiress Violet Goodwin has devoted herself to medicine and become a nurse. Frivolity and marriage have no place in her life. She nevertheless travels to London to support her cousin as a companion during her season and unexpectedly meets Lord Alistair Crawford again, whom she met once before on her last visit to London and to whom she was immediately attracted before he disappeared from the scene overnight. But Alistair is not the amusing young man anymore, but a dissolute and grumpy scoundrel.
Alistair, spare of a marquess, has never thought much of the strict social rules and expectations of his stern father. Ten years ago he fled his parents' home and joined the Navy before becoming a ship captain in the East India Company. But that job left him burnt out and disillusioned, and now he's back in England, drowning his sorrows in alcohol and trying to build a new life and a business of his own. Alistair is still attracted to Violet and the more time he spends with her, the more he wants to get his life back on track...
Overall, a moving love story with great character development, drama, heart and spice that I am happy to recommend! I am looking forward to the next part of the series.
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Since the tragic death of her twin brother several years ago, the young American heiress Violet Goodwin has devoted herself to medicine and become a nurse. Frivolity and marriage have no place in her life. She nevertheless travels to London to support her cousin as a companion during her season and unexpectedly meets Lord Alistair Crawford again, whom she met once before on her last visit to London and to whom she was immediately attracted before he disappeared from the scene overnight. But Alistair is not the amusing young man anymore, but a dissolute and grumpy scoundrel.
Alistair, spare of a marquess, has never thought much of the strict social rules and expectations of his stern father. Ten years ago he fled his parents' home and joined the Navy before becoming a ship captain in the East India Company. But that job left him burnt out and disillusioned, and now he's back in England, drowning his sorrows in alcohol and trying to build a new life and a business of his own. Alistair is still attracted to Violet and the more time he spends with her, the more he wants to get his life back on track...
Overall, a moving love story with great character development, drama, heart and spice that I am happy to recommend! I am looking forward to the next part of the series.
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
July 16, 2025
Again, Scoundrel, set in the 1850s, tells the story of Violet Goodwin, an heiress from New York, and Alistair Crawford, the second son of the Marquess of Timsbury.
The couple meets briefly in 1850, but have both been hugely impacted by events in their lives by the time they see each again, three years later.
I haven't read many historical romances since I was a teenager, but Violet seems somewhat unusual. She has trained to be a nurse, vowed never to marry, and plans to open a hospital. Alistair doesn't expect to inherit anything from his disapproving father and has returned to London following a stint with the East India Trading Company. He's broke, thoroughly disillusioned with life, and is drowning himself in whisky (spelling from the 1800s).
Violet's nursing knowledge is cutting edge for the period and she doesn't appreciate doctors who cling to outdated treatments. I recognized the strong correlations to Florence Nightingale, but also hints, perhaps unintended, of Eleanor Roosevelt.
We quickly see Violet feels guilt in the story, but much of her growth as a woman and healer occurs outside the pages of the book. On the other hand, we witness Alastair working to conquer his depression and drinking and the slow rebuilding of his self-esteem. Alastair becomes a better person through knowing Violet, yet also experiences setbacks, in some ways because of her.
The story is told in third-person style, moves at a nice pace, and is at the lower middle range of spicy romance.
Very early it's clear the sense of guilt Violet experiences is survivor guilt (though it couldn't be called survivor guilt in this context because the condition wasn't really recognized until the 1960s). I would have preferred to see Violet work through her feelings and as part of her growth with Alistair, rather than just being resolved through a brave action. Perhaps it wasn't feasible in the story construct, but I still would have liked to see her deal with her emotions in a different fashion.
I recommend Again, Scoundrel as an enjoyable historical romance, which also acknowledges some of the serious societal issues of the period.
The couple meets briefly in 1850, but have both been hugely impacted by events in their lives by the time they see each again, three years later.
I haven't read many historical romances since I was a teenager, but Violet seems somewhat unusual. She has trained to be a nurse, vowed never to marry, and plans to open a hospital. Alistair doesn't expect to inherit anything from his disapproving father and has returned to London following a stint with the East India Trading Company. He's broke, thoroughly disillusioned with life, and is drowning himself in whisky (spelling from the 1800s).
Violet's nursing knowledge is cutting edge for the period and she doesn't appreciate doctors who cling to outdated treatments. I recognized the strong correlations to Florence Nightingale, but also hints, perhaps unintended, of Eleanor Roosevelt.
We quickly see Violet feels guilt in the story, but much of her growth as a woman and healer occurs outside the pages of the book. On the other hand, we witness Alastair working to conquer his depression and drinking and the slow rebuilding of his self-esteem. Alastair becomes a better person through knowing Violet, yet also experiences setbacks, in some ways because of her.
The story is told in third-person style, moves at a nice pace, and is at the lower middle range of spicy romance.
Very early it's clear the sense of guilt Violet experiences is survivor guilt (though it couldn't be called survivor guilt in this context because the condition wasn't really recognized until the 1960s). I would have preferred to see Violet work through her feelings and as part of her growth with Alistair, rather than just being resolved through a brave action. Perhaps it wasn't feasible in the story construct, but I still would have liked to see her deal with her emotions in a different fashion.
I recommend Again, Scoundrel as an enjoyable historical romance, which also acknowledges some of the serious societal issues of the period.
July 19, 2025
I am not a regular romance reader. I would say I generally read around 2 romance novels per year as a light escape during beach holidays. On an average day I prefer other genres with romance aspects within the story because I find that most romance novels lack plot. However, this book was deeper than expected. I really liked that the heroine not only had an interest in science and medicine but also that the author taught me something about the history of women in medicine. I also liked that the romance felt deeper than in many romance novels with the characters falling in love with, and growing to admire and respect each other's personalities. The steamy scenes were additionally really good - some were romantic mixed with sexy and some were purely sexy, but all without going down the cheesy route. Thank you for that! Not all romance authors know how to pull off good steamy scenes - there are far too many romance books that turn steamy scenes into a pile-up of dorky vocabulary for private parts. Denner did a good job in this aspect.
The one thing that I didn't like was a technique that I've seen too often in all genre of books and that is just so overused that it now feels like a lazy way to keep the plot going: this is the "he/she was just about to say the most important thing in the world that would completely clarify all their misunderstandings but..." . The 'but' is either something randomly interrupts the conversation, or they just choose not to say this extremely important thing for vague reasons and so the misunderstandings continue for another 5 chapters. Unfortunately this happened in this book around the middle and thus, for me, the couple of chapters following it felt dragged out. Again, this isn't just this book. It's sooo many books and movies and at this point when I see it I'm just immediately irritated because it makes the couple chapters following it feel forced.
Other than skimming through those couple of chapters around the middle till the main characters actually started truly communicating again, I enjoyed this romance more than most that I've read in the last number of years.
The one thing that I didn't like was a technique that I've seen too often in all genre of books and that is just so overused that it now feels like a lazy way to keep the plot going: this is the "he/she was just about to say the most important thing in the world that would completely clarify all their misunderstandings but..." . The 'but' is either something randomly interrupts the conversation, or they just choose not to say this extremely important thing for vague reasons and so the misunderstandings continue for another 5 chapters. Unfortunately this happened in this book around the middle and thus, for me, the couple of chapters following it felt dragged out. Again, this isn't just this book. It's sooo many books and movies and at this point when I see it I'm just immediately irritated because it makes the couple chapters following it feel forced.
Other than skimming through those couple of chapters around the middle till the main characters actually started truly communicating again, I enjoyed this romance more than most that I've read in the last number of years.
September 12, 2025
A Perfectly Structured, Refreshingly Original, Highly Erotic Romance
This pleasingly fast-paced historical romance is not only extremely well-researched but thoroughly entertaining. Unashamed to delve into detailed description of the characters’ sexual liaisons, it does so in a way that is readable, knowledgeable of the period, and deliciously steamy.
Violet Goodwin is a rich American heiress who, returning to Victorian London after a period of years, rencounters a young noble, Captain Alistair Crawford, with whom she very nearly shared a kiss on her first coming-out season in London, when she was just fifteen. The passion between the pair remains, but all is now different. Violet has now trained herself as a nurse, and champions a utopian world in which women and the poor might receive quality healthcare. Alistair—the “spare” to his brother, the heir, and with no fortune of his own—has spent years on board ship, first in the Navy, and then the East India Company. His focus is trained steadfastly on his own dream of starting a trading company. Neither character has much use for romance, however their innermost hearts might be screaming to the contrary.
In cahoots with a friend from Alistair’s roving days, a scheme is hatched to find capital for their company: one partner will marry into his capital, while the other will try to convince his father to invest. Of course, the plot goes awry, but not before dragging us readers through London’s entrails. The almost Dickensian descriptions of Alistair’s and Violet’s exploits in the city’s slums make up some of the most engrossing parts of the novel.
This is a perfectly structured romance, with the beats falling reassuringly where they should and containing some highly erotic writing that never feels gratuitous or embarrassing. The concept is refreshingly original, while the period is so carefully researched, brimming with appropriate contemporary language and slang, that is never overused or laboured, that I really felt I was living in this period, as well as learning a lot about the way people lived and spoke. I highly recommend this book.
This pleasingly fast-paced historical romance is not only extremely well-researched but thoroughly entertaining. Unashamed to delve into detailed description of the characters’ sexual liaisons, it does so in a way that is readable, knowledgeable of the period, and deliciously steamy.
Violet Goodwin is a rich American heiress who, returning to Victorian London after a period of years, rencounters a young noble, Captain Alistair Crawford, with whom she very nearly shared a kiss on her first coming-out season in London, when she was just fifteen. The passion between the pair remains, but all is now different. Violet has now trained herself as a nurse, and champions a utopian world in which women and the poor might receive quality healthcare. Alistair—the “spare” to his brother, the heir, and with no fortune of his own—has spent years on board ship, first in the Navy, and then the East India Company. His focus is trained steadfastly on his own dream of starting a trading company. Neither character has much use for romance, however their innermost hearts might be screaming to the contrary.
In cahoots with a friend from Alistair’s roving days, a scheme is hatched to find capital for their company: one partner will marry into his capital, while the other will try to convince his father to invest. Of course, the plot goes awry, but not before dragging us readers through London’s entrails. The almost Dickensian descriptions of Alistair’s and Violet’s exploits in the city’s slums make up some of the most engrossing parts of the novel.
This is a perfectly structured romance, with the beats falling reassuringly where they should and containing some highly erotic writing that never feels gratuitous or embarrassing. The concept is refreshingly original, while the period is so carefully researched, brimming with appropriate contemporary language and slang, that is never overused or laboured, that I really felt I was living in this period, as well as learning a lot about the way people lived and spoke. I highly recommend this book.
October 17, 2025
Set in the 1800s, Violet (a nurse) and Alistair (a trader with entrepreneurial aspirations) have a flirtatious and fun first meeting, albeit with some playful conflict. They both are attracted to each other with a powerful electricity, but trying to fight it. It's so cute and entertaining and hooks you right from the start!
Their paths cross again later in their native England (she's visiting from New York), and it's so juicy as she recognizes him and he doesn't realize who she is for a bit. And then suddenly, it hits him. It's so fun and full of tension, and we get to read it in each POV.
Alistair secretly wants Violet, but she comes from money and his friend McGann has his eye on her because he wants access to the cash for the shipping business he and Alistair are planning to open together.
Alistair secretly stews. He bumbles, drinks heavily, and makes some mistakes in his interest in Violet. He vows to do better, but his interest in her is clear.
The electricity between them is powerful as they fall for each other and the tension remains for a while. Also, for much of the book they have a funny, playful relationship. A funny thread is her use of the word “asshead” throughout the story, and him teasing her about it.
As they open up to each other, they have an increasingly sweet relationship. They share their struggles. They have amazingly spicy and tender love scenes. They do things you should never do unmarried during that time. It's so exciting.
I loved the thread of Violet being a nurse. There are beautiful scenes of her helping people in need, and even Alistair helping. I loved the 1800s medical detail and tension, and always wanted to see what happens next!
There are a few conflicts in their relationship. No spoilers, though! Let's just say Violet is strong-willed and awesome for her time. Love to see it!
Throughout the book, there is a dance of Alistair and Violet wanting each other but fighting it for one reason or another. The tension is so good and so real!
I thought this was a well-written and lovely love story. It was a really good time.
Their paths cross again later in their native England (she's visiting from New York), and it's so juicy as she recognizes him and he doesn't realize who she is for a bit. And then suddenly, it hits him. It's so fun and full of tension, and we get to read it in each POV.
Alistair secretly wants Violet, but she comes from money and his friend McGann has his eye on her because he wants access to the cash for the shipping business he and Alistair are planning to open together.
Alistair secretly stews. He bumbles, drinks heavily, and makes some mistakes in his interest in Violet. He vows to do better, but his interest in her is clear.
The electricity between them is powerful as they fall for each other and the tension remains for a while. Also, for much of the book they have a funny, playful relationship. A funny thread is her use of the word “asshead” throughout the story, and him teasing her about it.
As they open up to each other, they have an increasingly sweet relationship. They share their struggles. They have amazingly spicy and tender love scenes. They do things you should never do unmarried during that time. It's so exciting.
I loved the thread of Violet being a nurse. There are beautiful scenes of her helping people in need, and even Alistair helping. I loved the 1800s medical detail and tension, and always wanted to see what happens next!
There are a few conflicts in their relationship. No spoilers, though! Let's just say Violet is strong-willed and awesome for her time. Love to see it!
Throughout the book, there is a dance of Alistair and Violet wanting each other but fighting it for one reason or another. The tension is so good and so real!
I thought this was a well-written and lovely love story. It was a really good time.
June 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75 Stars)
Some second chances are impossible to resist… and some are a little harder to fully fall for...
Again, Scoundrel delivers a promising setup: a charged almost-kiss from the past, a reunion under very different stars, and two characters navigating ambition, heartbreak, and societal expectations in Victorian London. Violet, now a fierce advocate for maternal health, is a heroine ahead of her time. She's clever, capable, and fully unwilling to compromise her mission for a ring. Alistair, no longer the bright-eyed naval officer she once knew, returns with jagged edges, regret, and a desperate plan that, of course, puts Violet right in the middle.
And while I wanted to fall headfirst into this story...A second-chance romance, ambition, social justice, all very much my thing....something about the execution didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The pacing felt uneven, with certain scenes feeling clunky or oddly timed, like puzzle pieces from a different box. I loved the premise and found moments of genuine emotional weight, especially in the latter half of the book where the author’s voice truly starts to shine.
The final chapters carried the kind of spark I’d hoped for from the beginning, and I’d definitely read more from this author in the future. There’s talent here, and when it worked, it really worked.
Read if you enjoy:
💜 Victorian settings with modern-minded heroines
💜 Second chances and emotional pining
💜 Romance where love isn’t the only battle being fought
💜 Characters fumbling toward growth and forgiveness
Again, Scoundrel may not have been a perfect match for me, but I think it will still strike a chord for others; especially those who crave historical romance with a conscience and a bit of slow-burn ache.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the Author for the ARC of this story, I am leaving this review voluntarily with my honest opinion.
Some second chances are impossible to resist… and some are a little harder to fully fall for...
Again, Scoundrel delivers a promising setup: a charged almost-kiss from the past, a reunion under very different stars, and two characters navigating ambition, heartbreak, and societal expectations in Victorian London. Violet, now a fierce advocate for maternal health, is a heroine ahead of her time. She's clever, capable, and fully unwilling to compromise her mission for a ring. Alistair, no longer the bright-eyed naval officer she once knew, returns with jagged edges, regret, and a desperate plan that, of course, puts Violet right in the middle.
And while I wanted to fall headfirst into this story...A second-chance romance, ambition, social justice, all very much my thing....something about the execution didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The pacing felt uneven, with certain scenes feeling clunky or oddly timed, like puzzle pieces from a different box. I loved the premise and found moments of genuine emotional weight, especially in the latter half of the book where the author’s voice truly starts to shine.
The final chapters carried the kind of spark I’d hoped for from the beginning, and I’d definitely read more from this author in the future. There’s talent here, and when it worked, it really worked.
Read if you enjoy:
💜 Victorian settings with modern-minded heroines
💜 Second chances and emotional pining
💜 Romance where love isn’t the only battle being fought
💜 Characters fumbling toward growth and forgiveness
Again, Scoundrel may not have been a perfect match for me, but I think it will still strike a chord for others; especially those who crave historical romance with a conscience and a bit of slow-burn ache.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the Author for the ARC of this story, I am leaving this review voluntarily with my honest opinion.
September 19, 2025
This was an enjoyable period romance set initially in England in 1850 where Violet Godwin meets sailor Alistair Crawford, second son of the Marquess of Timsbury, when she’s taking a breath of air outside a ballroom. The brief encounter and near-kiss is imprinted on both their memories. Three years later, after studying nursing in New York, Violet puts her skills to work on a sailor who breaks his leg on the five-week voyage from New York to England, proving that she’s far more than just the prospective bride for whom her cousin Catherine has been charged with finding a husband. Alistair has spent the last three years as a naval captain with the East India Company, and after seeing the brutal side of colonialism, now that he has served his out his contract, he has dreams of setting up his own trading company. The snag is that he needs money, and as a second – and least favourite – son, it isn’t likely to come from his father. On meeting Violet again at a dinner party, she’s a lot less impressed with how cold and angry he looks this time around, however, they can’t deny their mutual attraction. When Alistair meets fellow sailor Andrew McGann in a seedy establishment, McGann tell Alastair that he has the ship to start a shipping company, but he needs to make use of Alistair and his title to find funders for it. Since this aligns with Alastair’s wish to start a trading company for which he’d need to partner with a shipping company, Alastair agrees. There’s only one snag. McGann needs to marry someone rich in order to raise the capital, and he’s set his sights on timber-company heiress Violet Goodwin. What follows is an enjoyable tale of Alistair struggling with his heart and his conscience over whether to sacrifice Violet for the chance to start his own company. I won’t spoil the ending by giving too much away, but I will say if you’re looking for a good read with an engaging heroine and a slow-burn romance, then this is one for you.
October 27, 2025
Again, Scoundrel is a lush, emotionally charged second-chance romance that proves love—like London’s fog—has a way of creeping back in when you least expect it. With wit, tenderness, and a deft command of historical atmosphere, the author delivers a story that is as much about redemption and independence as it is about passion rekindled.
At its heart are Violet Goodwin, an American heiress turned compassionate nurse, and Captain Alistair Crawford, a once-idealistic naval officer now hardened by loss, failure, and regret. Three years after their near-romance was cut short, fate conspires to bring them together once again—only this time, the rules of engagement have changed. Violet’s heart belongs to her cause, not to any man. Alistair’s future depends on courting an heiress… who happens to be Violet herself.
What follows is a dance of longing, pride, and slow-burning tension, set against the elegant yet unforgiving world of Victorian high society. The author paints London not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing character—one where smoky ballrooms and charitable hospitals coexist, and where love must contend with reputation, ambition, and duty.
Violet is a standout heroine—brilliant, independent, and ahead of her time. Her commitment to improving maternal healthcare lends the novel emotional depth and modern relevance, while her vulnerability reminds readers that even the strongest hearts can ache for what they’ve lost. Alistair, in turn, is a deeply human portrayal of a fallen man trying to climb back toward purpose—and perhaps forgiveness.
The chemistry between them crackles with restrained yearning. Every stolen glance and exchanged word carries the weight of unfinished business. Yet Again, Scoundrel never relies solely on passion—it’s a story about choice, about what it means to chase one’s dreams without losing one’s soul.
At its heart are Violet Goodwin, an American heiress turned compassionate nurse, and Captain Alistair Crawford, a once-idealistic naval officer now hardened by loss, failure, and regret. Three years after their near-romance was cut short, fate conspires to bring them together once again—only this time, the rules of engagement have changed. Violet’s heart belongs to her cause, not to any man. Alistair’s future depends on courting an heiress… who happens to be Violet herself.
What follows is a dance of longing, pride, and slow-burning tension, set against the elegant yet unforgiving world of Victorian high society. The author paints London not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing character—one where smoky ballrooms and charitable hospitals coexist, and where love must contend with reputation, ambition, and duty.
Violet is a standout heroine—brilliant, independent, and ahead of her time. Her commitment to improving maternal healthcare lends the novel emotional depth and modern relevance, while her vulnerability reminds readers that even the strongest hearts can ache for what they’ve lost. Alistair, in turn, is a deeply human portrayal of a fallen man trying to climb back toward purpose—and perhaps forgiveness.
The chemistry between them crackles with restrained yearning. Every stolen glance and exchanged word carries the weight of unfinished business. Yet Again, Scoundrel never relies solely on passion—it’s a story about choice, about what it means to chase one’s dreams without losing one’s soul.
August 7, 2025
I’m *usually* not a fan of insta-attraction or romances where people fall for each other too quickly — but in this case, there was enough solid development later on to make me genuinely care about Violet and Alistair as a couple. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I found myself rooting for them more and more as the story went on (especially toward the end).
One thing I really appreciated was how historical this felt. A lot of historical fiction these days just slaps some corsets on modern characters and calls it a day, but this author clearly took care to make the vibe and language feel true to the era. That’s not always easy to do, and I totally respect it.
Alsoooo, props to the vocabulary!! I LOVE when I have to look up a few words while reading, and this book gave me gems like surreptitiously, remuneration, and botheration (which, honestly, is just fun to say).
As for the cast, Violet is a “strong female protagonist” in the best way — she feels strong without being overly edgy or mean for the sake of it. Her focus on her career as a nurse, and her reasoning behind going into the profession to begin with, made me like her even more. And Alistair? Charming, damaged, occasionally a mess, but still very endearing. Their banter was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I wouldn’t really call this a second-chance romance, but that didn’t bother me. It’s more about two people who crossed paths once and finally get to actually know each other. And the payoff is more than worth it.
Since this is the debut of the series, Imma definitely be keeping an eye out for the next one :)
One thing I really appreciated was how historical this felt. A lot of historical fiction these days just slaps some corsets on modern characters and calls it a day, but this author clearly took care to make the vibe and language feel true to the era. That’s not always easy to do, and I totally respect it.
Alsoooo, props to the vocabulary!! I LOVE when I have to look up a few words while reading, and this book gave me gems like surreptitiously, remuneration, and botheration (which, honestly, is just fun to say).
As for the cast, Violet is a “strong female protagonist” in the best way — she feels strong without being overly edgy or mean for the sake of it. Her focus on her career as a nurse, and her reasoning behind going into the profession to begin with, made me like her even more. And Alistair? Charming, damaged, occasionally a mess, but still very endearing. Their banter was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I wouldn’t really call this a second-chance romance, but that didn’t bother me. It’s more about two people who crossed paths once and finally get to actually know each other. And the payoff is more than worth it.
Since this is the debut of the series, Imma definitely be keeping an eye out for the next one :)
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