Brigand

Noble Passions #3

by Sabrina York

Brigand, by Sabrina York
Book 3 in the Steamy Regency Noble Passions series

Kidnapped and held prisoner by a menacing Scottish brigand, Violet does her best to persevere and resist his rakish charms. When she realizes the brigand is really Ewan, the boy who once saved her life, who once kissed her and ruined her for all other kisses, she is lost.

Ewan desperately needs the respectability a titled bride can bring him. But when his kidnapped betrothed is delivered--bound and gagged--he discovers it's the wrong woman. And not just any woman--it's Violet, the person he blames for ruining his childhood. He keeps her, determined to punish her in every sinful way he can devise, until the seething passion between them strips away old grudges and leaves him reeling.

By the time he realizes the depths of his feelings for her, she's fled. All he can do is follow her--and win her back by partaking in the glittering London Season, where the harpies are far more dangerous than a Scottish brigand.

This book was originally published in 2014 and has been re-edited, re-covered and re-published.

Check out all the stories in the Noble Passions Series:

Dark Fancy, Book 1
Dark Duke, Book 2
Brigand, Book 3
Defiant, Book 4
Folly, Book 5

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Erotica, Regency, Regency Romance, Scotland

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2014

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling Romance Author

To check out coming books visit www.sabrinayork.com

Amazon Page: amazon.com/author/sabrinayork
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SabrinaYorkBooks
Twitter: @sabrina_york

Reviews

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no secret that I love historic romances, and Sabrina York has managed to create a wonderful cast of characters, all searching for understanding and love, even if they aren’t 100% certain they deserve it.

In Brigand, readers will see Violet’s story as she is taken from the garden at her aunt’s home and dragged to Scotland to settle a debt. There’s only one problem: Violet is not the woman betrothed to the Brigand Ewan “the McCloud”, but the two do have a history. But Kaitlin’s brother Callum is not to be deterred: he owes a debt and delivering a bride to the McCloud is foremost in his mind. In Dark Duke, we have seen Kaitlin’s response to her horrible brother, but Violet’s story has been left until now.

Violet is a dear, excited for her first season and trying desperately to manage her hellion brothers, she has developed a great relationship with her aunt and chaperone Hortense: even as Hortense isn’t happy after being dragged from the hustle of London back to her sister’s home. On the whole, Violet is fairly obedient and malleable: naïve in many things, but dreams of a kiss many years ago has spoiled her: every man is unable to rise to the level of her crush on Ewan, the stable hand and son of a maid.

Ewan’s life of crime and struggle began when he had just rescued Violet from certain drowning when the ice gave way. Someone caught their tender and gentle kiss, and told Violet’s father: he was beaten and he and his mother were turned out without reference. He holds a particular dislike of society for that and other ills, with thoughts of Violet igniting deep emotions that he would rather ignore. With the need to provide for his sister, just of age to enter the round of debutante activities, he decided that Kaitlin would be the perfect entrée for Sophia with the tonne, polished and confident she could open doors that his rough-edge manners wouldn’t.

These two are adorable together: Ewan has lived with his anger for so long that he is clumsy with her feelings and emotions: even though he does always feel horrid afterwards. Perhaps horrid is not the right word, he is guilty, but not so guilty as to not enjoy the time they have. When the deal is struck and Violet and Kaitlin both return to London for the season, Ewan’s ties to the men in the story are revealed, much to the surprise of Violet.

Brought under the careful tutelage of an old comrade met in France and the often formidable but utterly adorable Aunt Hortense, Ewan is polished up and dressed to suit the part of a wealthy gentleman, even if he can’t dance. Yet, dealing with her brothers and their mischievous ways, and the jealousy he feels around every man on Violet’s dance card keep him barely civil and restrained. Yet, his inner animal surfaces and claims her in front of the Archbishop and the tonne, much to the delight of this reader.

This is one of those stories where characters grab you and demand you pay attention: the bad boys aren’t really bad, the women aren’t utter pushovers and the most formidable character is a set of twin boys who never sit still. The chemistry between Violet and Ewan is palpable, and there are plenty of moments where their passion scalds the pages: emotion and sensation combine to make these stories super fun, engaging and not to be missed. I’ve purchased all in this series – and you should too!

[vaneeta naik · Rating 4 out of 5]

i received a free copy free dis is my voluntary & honest review.
i always enjoy reading Historicals...am hooked onto dem ...i loved dis book though i ve not read d previous books in dis series...this is a steamy , stormy story of VIolet & Ewan...i fell in love with both dis characters...
Violet is spunky , dependable, romantic, akso humourous whereas Ewan is just Adorable...he has so much lived for Revenge dat his anger clouds his desires, love for Violet ...he is poor man confused
& miserable ofhis feelings for Violet...These two are adorable together...The chemistry between Violet and Ewan is exciting...
The story line is good ...There's lot of action, suspense ,romance to keep u captivated & interested ...i finished dis book in a sitting as d book just gripped my interest i had to finish it without any gap ...
well done Sabrina ....a very worthable read & i would strongly recommend it ...

[Tina "IRead2Escape" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hotness Rating 3 out of 5

That's it! It's official. I may not be a lover of historical romance, but I am a lover of Sabrina York's historical romances. Brigand is the fourth book of the Noble Passions series and I loved it! This series is the exact reason that I sometimes force myself out of my comfort zone and read a sub-genre that isn't necessarily my cup of tea. I can not imagine missing out on this series.

I am over-the-top in love with Ewan. Known for his less than scrupulous business dealings Ewan has been labeled a brigand. Sadly, this reputation has worked well for him in business, but not so well with his sister coming out and needing a proper introduction into society. For this, he's arranged a marriage between himself and the well-connected Kaitlyn. It's not going to be a marriage of love, but it will give respect to his name and he'll do anything for his sister. When Kaitlyn's brother shows up with Violet and not Kaitlyn Ewan can barely control his anger. He doesn't abide by kidnapping women or using them for ransom. Not only that, but the more time he spends with the beautiful Violet the more he wants things he can not have.

Violet is haunted by one sweet kiss she received as a child. The beautiful boy of her memory saved her from drowning and then permanently branded her with that kiss. So much so, that she is not at all looking forward to her coming out season. She just doesn't see how any man could ever hold a candle to her Ewan. When she's kidnapped by her best friend's brother and taken to Kaitlyn's betrothed to be held until Kaitlyn presents herself Violet is understandably scared and disoriented. None of this explains why the McCloud makes her feel things that she never thought she would feel outside of dreams and memories. The more time she spends with Ewan the more she loses her heart. Now, if only he could see that she means more than a position in society.

I'm not sure what it is about a big, strong alpha male that has a slightly bad attitude that perks up my inner Scarlet O'Hara, but Ewan is this and more. He clearly loved Violet and wanted to do what was best for her, but he always stayed to true to the dominant man that he is. Hot!

You don't have to read this series in order, but it will help you to have some background if you do. As you know, I have my misgivings when it comes to historical romance. They often lack heat or just seem a bit contrived to me. Sabrina's historicals are not like this. For those of you that are familiar with Sabrina York's contemporary books you know that her books never lack for heat and great dialogue and this is the same for the Noble Passions series.

You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com

[Pansy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet is a beautiful, strong woman who knows what she wants, but lives in a time where she doesn't think she will get it. Ewan is a brigand who also knows what he wants, and also knows he shouldn't want it. What to do? With a little help from friends and a lot of interference from family, love wins out. I liked the surprise twist toward the end. Although we had a very nice HEA, I found it a rather abrupt ending. It wasn't as tidy as other books in this series. I can only hope that those hanging treads are picked up in another book. (Aunt Hortense?) Other than that, as usual, this was a wonderful read and I do recommend it.

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was reminded of Johanna Lindsey's Prisoner of My Desire when I was reading this. Only that this one takes the cake for being even more ridiculous.
These were my reactions as the story progress :

[Christy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved how Sabrina can tell a story. This one is no different. LOVE always work out no matter who you think you are....he is the man for her.Brigand

[Sheryl C. Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just wished that the ending would have tied things up a bit better...

[NhaughtyV says Damn the Zon Save the Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sooooo didn't want this story to end! Where can I find a Brigand to cart me off to his Scottish keep and have his wicked way with me?? This book is smokin' hawt! Highly recommend!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I didn't care for this book as much as I did the first one.

Violet Wyeth is kidnapped by Callum MacAllister and given over to Ewan McCloud in order to convince Callum's sister and Ewan's betrothed to come home. Little does Violet know that Ewan is actually her childhood friend and first love. Of course, Ewan recognizes her immediately and decides to make her life a living hell. You see, years ago, Ewan and his mother worked for Violet's father until the day he found out that Ewan had kissed his daughter. Then, Ewan is beaten, and he and his pregnant mother are kicked out. His mother is eventually dies, and he is left to raise his little sister, eventually turning to crime to do so. He is now a very rich, but awful man and blames everything on Violet. However, Violet eventually recognizes him by the scar on his chest, and they fall in love once again. But she is misled about his intentions, and the arrival of both Ewan's betrothed and Violet's cousin and brother throws their relationship in disarray for awhile, but they do find their way to one another again.

I wasn't quite comfortable with the level of consent in this book. The first sexual interaction between Violet and Ewan is not consensual. She's bound and gagged, and he fingers her even though she doesn't want it. Yes, she is aroused by his attentions, and she does climax, but it wasn't a truly consensual scene. I might have been able to overlook that, except that Violet is almost raped twice. The first time it happens after Ewan gets mad at Violet and forces her to work twice as hard as a maid and isolates her from the other servants. One of his men then tries to rape her but is stopped by the other servants, but he does try to press his attentions on her again later that night, and then later, two of his men try to break into her room to rape her, but Ewan is there to stop them. I don't particularly to read about rape or attempted rape in romance novels (honestly, in most media I prefer to avoid because I think it's poorly handled, but in romance novels a lot of the time attempted rape translates to the hero fixing her trauma with his cock two seconds after the assault happened. Rape shouldn't be used to further the leads' sex life imo.), but also in this case it just seems very hypocritical and gross to say that it's ok for the hero to force his sexual attentions on the heroine because secretly, she really wants it, but with every other man it's horrible and awful. Anyone forcing doing that is gross, and while I do read darker erotic works and enjoy them, in this case I just didn't like it, and it made me uncomfortable.

Also didn't quite understand the hero's backstory. After being kicked out, he apparently becomes a very rich crime lord, I guess? But I think I needed more backstory for him, and I'm not sure I can see anyone in the ton wanting to marry the sister of an infamous criminal, no matter how quality his wife is. Likewise, Ewan publicly kidnapping Violet out of a party isn't going to do anything for his sister's reputation. The reveal of his father was also a bit convenient, but not that surprising.

I will say that the erotic scenes in this book were very good, but I just had a lot of problems with how this book unfolded.

[LOU71 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brigand is the third book in the Noble Passions erotic series. Not as steamy as the previous books, this historical romance still makes an unpredictable and slightly humorous read for this genre. The pace was strong then slowed, and the ending was abrupt, imo.

Dark Fancy: 4 stars: James & Helena (I especially liked the story)
Dark Duke: 4+ stars: Edward & Kaitlin (I especially liked the flirty banter)
Brigand: 3+ stars: Ewan & Violet (I especially liked the secondary characters)

Violet Wyeth is haunted by one kiss from long ago from the young stable boy who saved her as a young girl from drowning. Now grown, and the oldest sister to four brothers, Violet is forcefully taken from England to Scotland to settle a debt. It took a lot for me to understand her behaviour sometimes.

Ewan St. Andrews, known as the notorious McCloud, is also known for his scrupulous business dealings. Although labelled as a wild Scottish brigand, Ewan has the well-being of his sister in mind as he arranges a well-connected marriage for himself to launch his sister into Society. He’s worked and sacrificed his own life to create opportunities for her.

Ewan and Violet’s relationship would feel opportunistic if not for the encounter they had as young children.

I recommend this book. I highly recommend this series.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was another quick and easy read. I am thoroughly enjoying this series though, each book with a different spin and a whole lot of romance.

The main characters in this book are Violet and Ewan. Violet has spent her whole life measuring all men to the one that she fell in love with a long time ago. Now kidnapped and held prisoner in Scotland she meets up with him again but the world has hardened him and he's not the same boy. Ewan has spent his whole life suffering because he kissed Violet and he's put all the hate and resentment he's built up onto her. But when he meets her again she's the same lovely girl he used to know and he has no idea how he could possibly hate her.

There are secondary characters but they either have or are going to have books of their own.

The storyline is different from the other books in the series, but it still isn't the most original though it is a very good read. I especially liked that we got to see Violet back in London and Ewan going to fight for her.

4 stars

[ann_zack_cee_am_ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a hard time warming up to the MMC on the get go, right after the scene where he was ‘arousing’ her while bringing her on his lap in a quest to tame her down. They were childhood sweetheart by the way, but because of what had transpired in the past (which was not of her doing), he detested her for many years. Her getting molested was a kind of a punishment for that. There was also a scene where she was nearly raped by one of his men but other serving wenches came to her rescue instead. Even after finding out about her near-rape incident, he didn’t do much about it apart from being assailed by guilt. Right when he was having this thought, FMC was then again harassed by one of his men bang on in the middle of his sight line yet he didn’t do anything about it. This quest of revenge was utterly useless for what FMC had suffered, he could have buried that hatchet long ago. One would think he should have grovelled. No amount of grovelling is needed when FMC should have left his raggedy ass back in the past.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thoroughly enjoying the Noble Passions series by "Her Royal Hotness" Sabrina York. In Brigand, we get Violet and Ewan's story that we got a glimpse of in the previous book. The story goes back a ways and then brings us up to the point that we left off in the Dark Duke. Violet has a lot more pluck than I gave her credit for. Ewan is a really well developed and interesting character, the type of tortured hero that I enjoy. It was intriguing to learn his backstory. As in all the Noble Passions stories, there is a good amount of erotic heat generated here. That along with some humor and characters from books past make this series totally captivating. I am eager to move on to Ned and Sophia's tale in book 4.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It had everything I look for in a historical romance. Great characters, a little intrigue, and a few surprises. Sweet, and not super complicated or overdone. It was just fun!

I liked the background story between Violet and Ewan when they were kids, and I liked how their relationship developed through this story as they meet again. There's some drama and some push back and forth, but nothing felt overdone or unnecessary. Both characters are just really likable, and it was fun to read their story. Less steamy than other books in the series, but I think this one had the strongest characters and story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this book has something that most tv series shows these days are missing. You have 2 characters that are in love and steadfast and still together in the end. I love that! Most shows kill the romance between the characters i like. They either end up dead or they fall in love with someone else so by the end of the series, they are "in love" with a completely different person! Where is the romance in that? Books are truly better than tv or movies. love violet and mcclouds story. The suspense, the highs and lows between the characters. Great job!

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hot, hot read!!

Loved the book!! Ewan has never forgive the girl that he believes ruined his life. Violet had been in love with one of their grooms since he saved her life from drowning. When she is kidnapped and ends up in Ewan's clutches he devises a plan to make her life a living hell until love hits them both!! A wonderful read with a great ending!!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say just HOW much I enjoyed this book! I feel in love with the folks. It was like walking back into time to when woman who feisty and full of what they where worth! From the spanking to the fleaing and well the whole darn book!

The only neg was I wanted more info on the father and four brothers which was kind of rushed at the end.

[Daiga · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had read books from this series before, and I was excited for this one as the timelines overlapped and I had read some scenes from book 2, I was interested in the full story, but in the end it was kinda meh, had too much abuse and was on the boring side.

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, steamy and entertaining.

[Bamboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad i read it.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was mostly another version of the last book.....kinda still liked it though.will recommend this book .

[Aurrora James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun

I enjoyed Ewan and Violet’s story, including her overprotective brothers. Looking forward to the next book with Sophia and Ned.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first book in this series, Dark Fancy, on Negalley and received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Having honestly loved it, I immediately bought the rest of the series. This book is the third installment and revolves around Violet, whom we met in the first two book, and Ewan St. Andrews, aka The McCloud.

Much like the second book in the series, The Dark Duke, this book spends a LOT of time on plot, character development, and retelling the final scenes from the Dark Duke from other character’s perspectives. Keep in mind, it is only about 170 pages long, so, that is a lot of plot and character development in a very short book. Though, much like in the earlier books, the relationship does not feel rushed or forced and because we have learned of Violet and Ewan’s past, we are rooting for them even more.

While the author’s humor is really exercised in this book, and the character development is great – I love Ewan’s personality – I found the romantic elements in this book to be less than I anticipated, almost to the point of being disappointing. Upon reflection, I think it is because this installment is simply an historical romance novella, not an historical erotica novella. There was far too much plot, and not enough schmexy time. And the time that there was happened to be rather vanilla. I mean, he had her tied up and basically did nothing with that. Our previous heroes, James and Edward, would never have handled a situation that way; and considering the dark reputation enjoyed by McCloud, you would think it would have been a little spicier. Womp womp.

Overall, I found this book to be a fun, but with far more plot and character development than I was expecting based on the first two books in the series. And, at this point, I don’t think it would work well as a standalone novella, you should be reading the series in order.

[Evelyn Nore · Rating 5 out of 5]

McCloud the Notorious??!!

McCloud the brigand has a problem. The man brought the wrong girl , he'd kidnapped the wrong girl. Not Kaitland, but another, and finally seeing her in the dim light with her hair back, it couldn't be, it was Violet!!! The girl he saved from the icy depths of a frozen lake she had fallen into when the ice broke beneath her. He dove in after her, found her and got her out of the water, only to not be able to get out, because the ice kept breaking. He finally pulled himself out, but the ice cut like a fine knife, and left a jagged mark of red from his chest to the side of his of his ribs. After the ordeal they went to the trees and kissed. An extraordinary kiss neither would forget.

Now facing the girl/ woman that had ruined his life, and killed his mother. By being banished from the castle, to beg and steal for food and money, and live on the streets was in his grasp. So being the brigard, the McCloud he took her. Kept her, loved her. When she finally realized who he was, she had fallen in love with him instantly.

Later her release comes about with a bargain. That the McCloud's sister have her debut into society as the lady she had become.
Find it all out by reading this book. From page one I was caught. I read this very fast. And would read it again and again. The characters come too life. The humor makes you laugh out load, and the bedroom scenes are as steamy as h
They get. Sabrina York has done it again!! Another well crafted book.

I'd recommend this to everyone who loves romance!! I'm ready to read the rest of this series. Why don't you join me........

[Suszet Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

Violet gets her happy ever after, thrilling, titillating, humorous. This book drew me in from start to finish. I cried for what Ewan endured as a child. This series just gets better and better.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hotness, Ewan McCloud is my mostest favourite hero ever!

Can I just say this series continues to get better and better? But I digress, back to our heroine. We met Violet way back in Dark Fancy, she is the eldest of the 'horde' of Wyeth's that stumbled into the Dark Duke's world. With all those younger brothers, you know this Scottish beauty has some fortitude. This is her story, partially running parallel with the Dark Duke as it covers her kidnapping. Don't worry, you don't need to read the previous books to completely follow the story

While Violet is sure of who she is, how she is and what she deserves and wants, poor Ewan doesn't have a clue. Yes, poor Brigand, because once he gets his hands on the young lady he is sure ruined his life, and is the love of his life, he is lost. He also knows his place in life, but he isn't where he wants to be because of others, specifically, making a better life for his younger sister

Thus, yes thus, we have a two characters who are so caught in their own traps in their minds, they get stuck and don't tell the other. Circumstances are in their favour though, and the very bumpy road to the end finally comes forth at the very last minute, but not a moment too soon!

[Lorraine Brattin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love the story, Brigand.

This was book 3 in the series and it had the main characters of Evan and Violet. Evan who is also known as McCloud, is a Scottish man who just finds out that Violet is the same woman he saved when she fell through the ice when she was younger. Now she is older, quite beautiful, and is now a prisoner at his Keep.

When Violet realizes who he is, she is angry because he is treating her bad by making her do loads of chores throughout the day plus making her sleep in the cold cellar under lock and key. When Violet tells him the truth about their past Ewan quickly becomes enamored of violet again.

When they end up in London and Ewan begins the process of wooing Violet over to his side things get really interesting. Another hot read from Sabrina York. This is a must read series as I am already interested in how the series ends. Love how previous characters follow up their stories in the next book. Thank you Sabrina York for becoming one of my all time favorite authors.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brigand by Sabrina York is a riotous ride from the wilds of Scotland to the mansions of London. Violet and Ewan's story is loaded with quirky, fun characters, always my favorite part of a Sabrina York book. Brigand is a well written book, fairly short, so a great choice for those with limited time for reading. There's plenty of action, suspense and sizzle that will keep you engrossed from cover to cover. I loved Brigand and look forward to my next book by Sabrina York. Brigand is book 3 of the Noble Passions Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want this book to end

Oh yes, it was a complete story. But I loved the book so much I wanted it to go on. To me a great book is one that makes you feel. In Brigand I disliked the heroine's brother. Then I disliked the hero who was the Brigand. I found myself seriously disliking his actions, but then the author would explain his thoughts and feelings and I would like him. Then he would do something else stupid and I disliked him. By the end of the book I loved him. Yes, this book made me feel. I laughed, I cried, I gritted my teeth. I did not want it to end.

[C.A. Szarek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off strong for me but then something happened in the early chapters that honestly made me have to talk myself out of putting it down. The hero did something unthinkable as far as I'm concerned. The heroine said no. As I continued reading he had appropriate introspection that made me change my mind about him but there is no justification for what happened. Because of this I probably will not seek out the other books in the series.
It ended up being an okay read for me. I did enjoy it overall. Though it ended a bit abruptly.