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Secrets & Scandals #6
Scoundrel Ever After
Once upon a time there was a very bad boy . . .
Ethan Jagger will do anything to leave his criminal past behind and take his place as a gentleman in Polite Society. Success is within his grasp until his boss discovers his double cross and frames him for murder. As if running from the law and the outlaws wasn’t bad enough, he must protect an innocent young lady from the very criminals who want him dead. Worst of all, though, is the dangerous attraction that sparks between them. If he can escape the hangman’s noose and start anew, will she consent to love a scoundrel ever after?
Who met a very nice girl . . .
London only thinks of Audrey Cheswick as a wallflower, if they even think of her at all. She’s tried to find satisfaction—if not happiness—as a spinster-in-waiting, though her intrepid spirit yearns for a grand adventure. But when she runs away with England’s most wanted criminal, she learns adventure comes with a price—not just her reputation or her virtue, but her heart.
Ethan Jagger will do anything to leave his criminal past behind and take his place as a gentleman in Polite Society. Success is within his grasp until his boss discovers his double cross and frames him for murder. As if running from the law and the outlaws wasn’t bad enough, he must protect an innocent young lady from the very criminals who want him dead. Worst of all, though, is the dangerous attraction that sparks between them. If he can escape the hangman’s noose and start anew, will she consent to love a scoundrel ever after?
Who met a very nice girl . . .
London only thinks of Audrey Cheswick as a wallflower, if they even think of her at all. She’s tried to find satisfaction—if not happiness—as a spinster-in-waiting, though her intrepid spirit yearns for a grand adventure. But when she runs away with England’s most wanted criminal, she learns adventure comes with a price—not just her reputation or her virtue, but her heart.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2014
144 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
210 books2,279 followersDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 19, 2014
Received from publisher via NetGalley for an honest review
This is the sixth book in the series Secrets and Scandals. I didn't think it would matter that I hadn't read the others; just thought I could pick this up and enjoy a nice regency romance story. I was wrong; it mattered, it mattered a little, and it matters a lot. A little because it's obvious this book picks up where the previous book must have ended and it took about 30-40% in before I got the hang, flow, and felt connected with the characters. A lot because I am dying to know the previous stories of the couples that were mentioned in this story.
Ethan is the bastard son of a viscount, who after his father and mother dies, finds himself fending for his very survival in London's rookeries. There, he is taken under the wing of Gin Jimmy, a crime lord, and subsequently rises up in the ranks. Ethan is a compelling shades of grey character, who through circumstance and a strong will to survive, commits many objectionable acts. Through trying to connect with his legitimized half brother, it is reminisced Ethan met a lady named Audrey who secretly is giving him dance lessons to learn the waltz. Audrey is your regency wallflower who is constantly overlooked, except by our hero who glances, sees a little spark, and sticks around to discover the flame that's inside her. There is heartbreaking tension between our couple as Audrey questions, fears, and misunderstands Ethan's ways and Ethan struggles to fully trust, accept his feelings, and learn what love is. This is a still waters run deep couple, with their emotions bubbling just under the surface.
The main plot of this story starts when Ethan, about to flee London (he is wanted for murder by Bow Street and wanted by Gin Jimmy for double crossing) goes to collect a bag of hidden money in a tree, conveniently, in our heroine's yard and finds Gin Jimmy's men trying to capture Audrey because he thinks she is important to Ethan. Oops, guess those secret waltzing lessons weren't so secret after all. Audrey flees with Ethan and they end up traversing the countryside as Ethan tries to find a safe place to leave Audrey.
Like I said, if you haven't read the previous book in the series, you're going to feel thrust into the story at first. Even though it took me awhile to catch up, I enjoyed the quick pace. It was when the couple makes it to their final northern destination that the story dragged a little as Ethan's struggle to keep himself separate from Audrey and Audrey's back and forth if she should trust Ethan, felt repetitive. It was also a tad annoying and off putting when Audrey had knowledge (has to do with that inner flame of hers I mentioned earlier) that could have set Ethan free from Bow Street if they had shared information or just talked to each other. This was supposed to be The Big Misunderstanding, I guess. It ended up just feeling like a forced, overly contrived, and added on part to the story however.
Even with those few complaints, I still very much enjoyed this story. The last part of the book involves, what I imagine are, past characters/couples who come together to help Ethan and Audrey. If you had read the previous books, I predict you will love how they all come together to save Ethan and, what I speculate, complete his redemption. It's a payoff no reader wants to miss and I am definitely going back to book one to see how it all came about.
This is the sixth book in the series Secrets and Scandals. I didn't think it would matter that I hadn't read the others; just thought I could pick this up and enjoy a nice regency romance story. I was wrong; it mattered, it mattered a little, and it matters a lot. A little because it's obvious this book picks up where the previous book must have ended and it took about 30-40% in before I got the hang, flow, and felt connected with the characters. A lot because I am dying to know the previous stories of the couples that were mentioned in this story.
Ethan is the bastard son of a viscount, who after his father and mother dies, finds himself fending for his very survival in London's rookeries. There, he is taken under the wing of Gin Jimmy, a crime lord, and subsequently rises up in the ranks. Ethan is a compelling shades of grey character, who through circumstance and a strong will to survive, commits many objectionable acts. Through trying to connect with his legitimized half brother, it is reminisced Ethan met a lady named Audrey who secretly is giving him dance lessons to learn the waltz. Audrey is your regency wallflower who is constantly overlooked, except by our hero who glances, sees a little spark, and sticks around to discover the flame that's inside her. There is heartbreaking tension between our couple as Audrey questions, fears, and misunderstands Ethan's ways and Ethan struggles to fully trust, accept his feelings, and learn what love is. This is a still waters run deep couple, with their emotions bubbling just under the surface.
The main plot of this story starts when Ethan, about to flee London (he is wanted for murder by Bow Street and wanted by Gin Jimmy for double crossing) goes to collect a bag of hidden money in a tree, conveniently, in our heroine's yard and finds Gin Jimmy's men trying to capture Audrey because he thinks she is important to Ethan. Oops, guess those secret waltzing lessons weren't so secret after all. Audrey flees with Ethan and they end up traversing the countryside as Ethan tries to find a safe place to leave Audrey.
Like I said, if you haven't read the previous book in the series, you're going to feel thrust into the story at first. Even though it took me awhile to catch up, I enjoyed the quick pace. It was when the couple makes it to their final northern destination that the story dragged a little as Ethan's struggle to keep himself separate from Audrey and Audrey's back and forth if she should trust Ethan, felt repetitive. It was also a tad annoying and off putting when Audrey had knowledge (has to do with that inner flame of hers I mentioned earlier) that could have set Ethan free from Bow Street if they had shared information or just talked to each other. This was supposed to be The Big Misunderstanding, I guess. It ended up just feeling like a forced, overly contrived, and added on part to the story however.
Even with those few complaints, I still very much enjoyed this story. The last part of the book involves, what I imagine are, past characters/couples who come together to help Ethan and Audrey. If you had read the previous books, I predict you will love how they all come together to save Ethan and, what I speculate, complete his redemption. It's a payoff no reader wants to miss and I am definitely going back to book one to see how it all came about.
June 23, 2025
This was the last story in the series of Secrets and Scandals. This was my favorite book in the series and gave this five stars.
This ticked all the boxes: Adventure, Character development and growth, Sweet Romance (Falling in Love), Beautiful Love Scenes, Knight in Shining Armor, Heart in mouth scenes and Justice, Comradarie amongst friends.
Basic Plot: Ethan Locke aka Jagger is wanted for the murder of the Marquess of Wolverstone? and a person of interest in the death of Ashley Aldren?. Bow Street is after him. He goes to Audrey Cheswick's after leaving his brother's place to get his stash of money out of the tree. He is injured with a knife wound from helping to free Lydia (Audrey's bestfriend and Jason Lockwood fiance (Ethan's half brother) from Gin Jimmy's evil clutches.
While retrieving his money bag he hears some noise inside the house. The window opens and Audrey sees Ethan and motions him to come into her room. He hears two men and her grandfather arguing and then a struggle. He goes out followed by Audrey with a gun. She shoots one of the intruders, Ethan tackles the other one. Audrey asks Ethan to let them go. But she is not safe as they would be back to take her. They were Gin Jimmy's men.
Ethan takes Audrey with him on the run, from both Gin Jimmy and Bow Street. They stop in Woodson Basset? where Miranda and Fox run an orphanage. Ethan really likes it there but alas Bow Street and Gin Jimmy catch up with them. They get away and keep going all the way to Cornwall to Severin and Phillipa's. Unfortunately Bow Street captures Ethan and takes him to London for inquiry and possibly hanging. With not enough evidence against him, he is freed. Gin Jimmy captures Audrey to lure Ethan in. He is captured by Gin Jimmy and tied up for a hanging the next day in public.
Jason Lockwood, Carlyle (former Bow Street Runner, now Viscount), Severin and Saxton (pugilists) and Audrey plus some of Jagger's loyal men help to rescue Ethan from the noose. Audrey shoots Gin Jimmy in the chest saving the day.
What I liked best about this book. I liked the adventure of Ethan and Audrey traveling together all over England. Their romance was gradual starting out with friendship, having to share close quarters ( being each other's maids), starting to think romantic or lust filled thoughts but not acting on them and finally admitting love (making love and a proposal of marriage). I also enjoyed how all the characters from the other five stories were included in this last book and how they all rallied around both Audrey and Ethan. This just made the book more about family and friends with warm fuzzies.
There was a moral in this book and some of the others, "Love of a good woman makes a man want to be his best self."
This ticked all the boxes: Adventure, Character development and growth, Sweet Romance (Falling in Love), Beautiful Love Scenes, Knight in Shining Armor, Heart in mouth scenes and Justice, Comradarie amongst friends.
Basic Plot: Ethan Locke aka Jagger is wanted for the murder of the Marquess of Wolverstone? and a person of interest in the death of Ashley Aldren?. Bow Street is after him. He goes to Audrey Cheswick's after leaving his brother's place to get his stash of money out of the tree. He is injured with a knife wound from helping to free Lydia (Audrey's bestfriend and Jason Lockwood fiance (Ethan's half brother) from Gin Jimmy's evil clutches.
While retrieving his money bag he hears some noise inside the house. The window opens and Audrey sees Ethan and motions him to come into her room. He hears two men and her grandfather arguing and then a struggle. He goes out followed by Audrey with a gun. She shoots one of the intruders, Ethan tackles the other one. Audrey asks Ethan to let them go. But she is not safe as they would be back to take her. They were Gin Jimmy's men.
Ethan takes Audrey with him on the run, from both Gin Jimmy and Bow Street. They stop in Woodson Basset? where Miranda and Fox run an orphanage. Ethan really likes it there but alas Bow Street and Gin Jimmy catch up with them. They get away and keep going all the way to Cornwall to Severin and Phillipa's. Unfortunately Bow Street captures Ethan and takes him to London for inquiry and possibly hanging. With not enough evidence against him, he is freed. Gin Jimmy captures Audrey to lure Ethan in. He is captured by Gin Jimmy and tied up for a hanging the next day in public.
Jason Lockwood, Carlyle (former Bow Street Runner, now Viscount), Severin and Saxton (pugilists) and Audrey plus some of Jagger's loyal men help to rescue Ethan from the noose. Audrey shoots Gin Jimmy in the chest saving the day.
What I liked best about this book. I liked the adventure of Ethan and Audrey traveling together all over England. Their romance was gradual starting out with friendship, having to share close quarters ( being each other's maids), starting to think romantic or lust filled thoughts but not acting on them and finally admitting love (making love and a proposal of marriage). I also enjoyed how all the characters from the other five stories were included in this last book and how they all rallied around both Audrey and Ethan. This just made the book more about family and friends with warm fuzzies.
There was a moral in this book and some of the others, "Love of a good woman makes a man want to be his best self."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2016
Scoundrel Ever After by Darcy Burke is the sixth book in the Secrets and Scandals series. It can be read as as stand alone story, but it's obvious as you read it that there have been previous stories told about some of the characters. I haven't read any of the other books, but I am sure if I had, that it would be nice to see them mentioned again in this book.
This is the story of Ethan Jagger. He is the illegitimate son of an aristocrat, and due to being thrown out of the family home by a horrid step mother after his father died when he was young, Ethan has had to take up a life of crime. He is fed up of living that way and after renewing his acquaintance with his half brother, he seriously wants to take up his place in society. The only way to do that is to set up his crime boss so that the bow street runners catch him and arrest him. Things go horribly awry and he ends up the being suspected of murdering an aristocrat. Now the bow street runners and the crime boss are after his hide and barely escaping them he goes on the run. He needs money, so the first thing he does is head to the garden of a woman he has been having secret dance lessons with. In a tree there he has hidden a stash of loot.
The woman in question is Audrey Cheswick. London sees her as a wallflower, but they don't know the real her. The woman who is wilting with boredom and desperately wants adventure. She has been loving the lessons she has been giving Ethan, not only because he is gorgeous and she has a bit of a crush on him, but the clandestine way they have had to go about the lessons thrills her. She doesn't know why Ethan doesn't want anybody to know he is learning to dance, but she's happy to oblige.
She goes to her window and is shocked to see the man in question in the tree outside. She quickly gets him to climb in when she notices he has been injured. Not long after he is in the house there is a ruckus downstairs. Ethan thinks it's the bow street runners, but it turns out to be some members of his gang. They try to kidnap Audrey thinking that she is his love interest and they want to use her to catch him. Thankfully they evade the men, and knowing she isn't safe any more, Ethan goes on the run and takes Audrey with him. She thinks it's all very exciting and doesn't put up any fight at all.
The rest of the story follows their attempt at escape. Along the way Audrey learns all about the 'real' Ethan, and although he has done some terrible things, he has been forced into it, and she knows he wants to give up those ways and become a gentleman. First he needs to get her somewhere safe, but she is hoping to convince him to take her with him wherever he goes. Will she manage that, will they escape together or will Ethan have to face the hangman's noose, or worse still, the wrath of his ex boss, who will undoubtedly make his death a long drawn out and painful one?
This was a good story, it kept me on the edge of my seat hoping against all odds that the couple gets away. I love that despite knowing what wicked things Ethan has done that the reader can feel so much empathy towards him that all his crimes are forgivable.
This book is part of an upcoming anthology that I was given a complimentary copy of in exchange for my honest review.
April 10, 2014
Originally published at Rookie Romance.
The blurb got me very excited, a wallflower and a criminal looking for redemption? Um, yes please!
Audrey is a wallflower, but wants so much more from her life than what her parents have planned for her. She longs for adventure and an escape. She certainly dives head first into adventure when Ethan Jagger/Locke shows up injured at her window. I liked Audrey, she has guts and I admired her determination to enjoy her life and escape the box her parents were trying to put her in. But I found her actions rather puzzling in the first third of the book. I'm not sure how much she knew Ethan previously, but her grandfather was just assaulted by some ruffians and she up and leaves with a man she barely knows who is clearly running from someone. Then when she realises that Ethan is running from Bow Street, she continues on her 'adventure' with him. It just came across as kind of reckless and foolish, to be honest. Fair enough, I understood her motivations, but I read it with a raised eyebrow. Once Ethan and Audrey's relationship develops, the eyebrow lowered and it made sense that she stuck by him and defended him.
Ethan has a criminal past that he's trying to put behind him. He wants nothing more than to let go of the past and mend his relationship with his brother, unfortunately that past does not want to let go of him. When he's falsely accused of murdering a Marquess, he's forced to literally run for his life. Ethan likes Audrey, but he never intended to bring her with him. As they spend more time together though,he realises that she's an unusual young lady and there's a lot more to her than meets the eye. Ethan has done a lot in his past that he regrets and he wants to become a better man, the man his father intended for him to be.
I enjoyed Ethan and Audrey's relationship. I thought her optimism and innocence balanced his cynicism and made him a bit less jaded. Ethan is a good man at heart, and Audrey sees that man.
I could get a little lost with all the characters, at times. It's part of a series and can be read as a stand alone, but there are a lot of characters who are clearly in the previous books in the series and it could be difficult to remember who was who. Although, it doesn't affect the reading of this book particularly.
Overall, I liked it but I didn't love it. The characters held a lot of promise but fell a bit flat for me. I was left feeling luke warm about this, although I'm interested to read some of the other character's stories in previous books of the series.
*I received a review copy form the publisher, via NetGalley, for my honest opinion. Thank you!
The blurb got me very excited, a wallflower and a criminal looking for redemption? Um, yes please!
Audrey is a wallflower, but wants so much more from her life than what her parents have planned for her. She longs for adventure and an escape. She certainly dives head first into adventure when Ethan Jagger/Locke shows up injured at her window. I liked Audrey, she has guts and I admired her determination to enjoy her life and escape the box her parents were trying to put her in. But I found her actions rather puzzling in the first third of the book. I'm not sure how much she knew Ethan previously, but her grandfather was just assaulted by some ruffians and she up and leaves with a man she barely knows who is clearly running from someone. Then when she realises that Ethan is running from Bow Street, she continues on her 'adventure' with him. It just came across as kind of reckless and foolish, to be honest. Fair enough, I understood her motivations, but I read it with a raised eyebrow. Once Ethan and Audrey's relationship develops, the eyebrow lowered and it made sense that she stuck by him and defended him.
Ethan has a criminal past that he's trying to put behind him. He wants nothing more than to let go of the past and mend his relationship with his brother, unfortunately that past does not want to let go of him. When he's falsely accused of murdering a Marquess, he's forced to literally run for his life. Ethan likes Audrey, but he never intended to bring her with him. As they spend more time together though,he realises that she's an unusual young lady and there's a lot more to her than meets the eye. Ethan has done a lot in his past that he regrets and he wants to become a better man, the man his father intended for him to be.
I enjoyed Ethan and Audrey's relationship. I thought her optimism and innocence balanced his cynicism and made him a bit less jaded. Ethan is a good man at heart, and Audrey sees that man.
I could get a little lost with all the characters, at times. It's part of a series and can be read as a stand alone, but there are a lot of characters who are clearly in the previous books in the series and it could be difficult to remember who was who. Although, it doesn't affect the reading of this book particularly.
Overall, I liked it but I didn't love it. The characters held a lot of promise but fell a bit flat for me. I was left feeling luke warm about this, although I'm interested to read some of the other character's stories in previous books of the series.
*I received a review copy form the publisher, via NetGalley, for my honest opinion. Thank you!
March 12, 2014
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 6 in the Secrets & Scandals series.
The gist: Audrey is the daughter of a peer. She’s pretty much always been ignored and overlooked by the ton and this is her last Season in London. She’s been giving private Waltzing lessons to Ethan, the bastard son of a peer, who would like to take his place in London Society alongside his half-brother. Ethan has been a criminal since he was a teen and now he has quite a reputation in the criminal world of London. Bow Street is closing in on him though, as well as the ruthless criminal overlord. When Ethan shows up unexpectedly, and injured, at Audrey’s bedroom window late at night, his timing couldn’t be more perfect. Minutes later, some of the crime overlord’s men arrive at Audrey’s house in order to kidnap her and hold her as leverage against Ethan. Audrey and Ethan flee London with both the law and the criminal element close on their heels. They gallivant around southern England seeking refuge and a solution to their problems. When both elements finally track them down, the police take Ethan into custody and the bad guys kidnap Audrey. These two have quite a fight on their hands to save each other’s lives and they will both have to rely on the aid of those around them in order to escape and live happily ever after.
I wasn’t aware that this was part of a series (I need to pay closer attention to that…). I felt just a tad lost since I didn’t know the players, but since each book is a standalone (I can only assume) I wasn’t COMPLETELY lost. I did enjoy this story although not so much that I couldn’t put it down. It took me a lot longer to read this book than it usually does for that reason.
Audrey was great. She was sweet, sympathetic, and almost disgustingly optimistic. Ethan was great as well. He was the criminal with a heart and a conscience who wants to turn his life around. Their connection was sweet and I enjoyed going on their journey with them. The first 50% was relatively slow plot-wise, but not necessarily boring. The second half was BY FAR more exciting because they were actually fighting for survival and redemption.
All in all it was pretty good, I enjoyed the story, and I’ve added the rest of the series to my TBR list.
The gist: Audrey is the daughter of a peer. She’s pretty much always been ignored and overlooked by the ton and this is her last Season in London. She’s been giving private Waltzing lessons to Ethan, the bastard son of a peer, who would like to take his place in London Society alongside his half-brother. Ethan has been a criminal since he was a teen and now he has quite a reputation in the criminal world of London. Bow Street is closing in on him though, as well as the ruthless criminal overlord. When Ethan shows up unexpectedly, and injured, at Audrey’s bedroom window late at night, his timing couldn’t be more perfect. Minutes later, some of the crime overlord’s men arrive at Audrey’s house in order to kidnap her and hold her as leverage against Ethan. Audrey and Ethan flee London with both the law and the criminal element close on their heels. They gallivant around southern England seeking refuge and a solution to their problems. When both elements finally track them down, the police take Ethan into custody and the bad guys kidnap Audrey. These two have quite a fight on their hands to save each other’s lives and they will both have to rely on the aid of those around them in order to escape and live happily ever after.
I wasn’t aware that this was part of a series (I need to pay closer attention to that…). I felt just a tad lost since I didn’t know the players, but since each book is a standalone (I can only assume) I wasn’t COMPLETELY lost. I did enjoy this story although not so much that I couldn’t put it down. It took me a lot longer to read this book than it usually does for that reason.
Audrey was great. She was sweet, sympathetic, and almost disgustingly optimistic. Ethan was great as well. He was the criminal with a heart and a conscience who wants to turn his life around. Their connection was sweet and I enjoyed going on their journey with them. The first 50% was relatively slow plot-wise, but not necessarily boring. The second half was BY FAR more exciting because they were actually fighting for survival and redemption.
All in all it was pretty good, I enjoyed the story, and I’ve added the rest of the series to my TBR list.
February 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this one. The hero and heroine are great, the setting keeps shifting and the action is well-described and keeps everything moving along at a quick, but not too quick, pace.
The scoundrel and the gently-born lady is a fairly common theme in HRs, and it takes something a bit different, or just well put-together, for me to enjoy it, but this one, provided by the publisher through netgalley, is just that. The hero and heroine are pretty well-rounded characters, and both are dashing, full of adventure and heroics, really daring people, and I LOVED that. The hero really is a naughty boy. He swears, slits people's throats and is generally a Bad Lot. The heroine is rather more complex, but is made of stern stuff.
They are chased across half of England, and I have to say the use of locations was pretty clever. There's enough in there so that readers like me, who like accuracy, are satisfied and not distracted. I hate it when I read a book that implies you could ride from London to Edinburgh in an afternoon. Equally, there are no long descriptive passages to bore the reader to tears. The details are seamlessly woven in, and there's not too many of them, so readers who want to get to the good stuff won't get fed up.
The only thing I wasn't quite so sure about was the use of secondary characters. So many of them are from previous books, and, personally, I'm never keen on the reappearance of characters from previous books. They tend to appear insipid compared to how they appear in their own stories, and too easily appear to type without the back-up of detailed narrative. So I didn't much like that they appeared all happy and contented and willing to help the heroine out at any cost.
Having said that, I haven't read any of the previous books, and it didn't prevent my enjoyment one little bit. In fact, I rather liked that I had to think a bit to catch up to who had done what in previous books.
So, 4 stars. I really like this one, and I've just realized that I have one of the books from this series loaded onto my kindle already, so I'm a happy bunny.
The scoundrel and the gently-born lady is a fairly common theme in HRs, and it takes something a bit different, or just well put-together, for me to enjoy it, but this one, provided by the publisher through netgalley, is just that. The hero and heroine are pretty well-rounded characters, and both are dashing, full of adventure and heroics, really daring people, and I LOVED that. The hero really is a naughty boy. He swears, slits people's throats and is generally a Bad Lot. The heroine is rather more complex, but is made of stern stuff.
They are chased across half of England, and I have to say the use of locations was pretty clever. There's enough in there so that readers like me, who like accuracy, are satisfied and not distracted. I hate it when I read a book that implies you could ride from London to Edinburgh in an afternoon. Equally, there are no long descriptive passages to bore the reader to tears. The details are seamlessly woven in, and there's not too many of them, so readers who want to get to the good stuff won't get fed up.
The only thing I wasn't quite so sure about was the use of secondary characters. So many of them are from previous books, and, personally, I'm never keen on the reappearance of characters from previous books. They tend to appear insipid compared to how they appear in their own stories, and too easily appear to type without the back-up of detailed narrative. So I didn't much like that they appeared all happy and contented and willing to help the heroine out at any cost.
Having said that, I haven't read any of the previous books, and it didn't prevent my enjoyment one little bit. In fact, I rather liked that I had to think a bit to catch up to who had done what in previous books.
So, 4 stars. I really like this one, and I've just realized that I have one of the books from this series loaded onto my kindle already, so I'm a happy bunny.
September 11, 2014
2* for the story
1* to express my willingness to continue with this author's books
A 286 pages read, and it took me five days to get to the end...
That's how excited I felt while reading this. A mix of OCD, stubbornness, and probably idiocy made me finish it.
There is inherently nothing 'wrong' with the read, and my rating is very likely a case of : 'It wasn't the book, it was me'-kind of thing.
But I thought I had signed up for a historical romance and was tossed into a mix of 'The Fugitive/Bourne Identity' in a regency setting ... minus the suspense.
Don't get me wrong: these movies are among my all-time-favorites, but I definitely have to be in the mood for something like this to enjoy it properly.
As it was, halfway into 'Scoundrel Ever After' I stopped to care about who was chasing Ethan and Audrey: Bow Street Runners or Gin Jimmy's minions. It was all the same to me!
I knew there was a HEA awaiting at the end of the horizon; I had looked a million times at the TOC- out of despair and frustration- and there it was in bold: Epilogue!
So all the game of cat-and-mouse felt redundant to me.
I am glad I had read the first book in this series 'Her Wicked Ways' right before this one, because despite of my disappointment with this book: I seriously think Mrs. Burke can write some decent books.
1* to express my willingness to continue with this author's books
A 286 pages read, and it took me five days to get to the end...
That's how excited I felt while reading this. A mix of OCD, stubbornness, and probably idiocy made me finish it.
There is inherently nothing 'wrong' with the read, and my rating is very likely a case of : 'It wasn't the book, it was me'-kind of thing.
But I thought I had signed up for a historical romance and was tossed into a mix of 'The Fugitive/Bourne Identity' in a regency setting ... minus the suspense.
Don't get me wrong: these movies are among my all-time-favorites, but I definitely have to be in the mood for something like this to enjoy it properly.
As it was, halfway into 'Scoundrel Ever After' I stopped to care about who was chasing Ethan and Audrey: Bow Street Runners or Gin Jimmy's minions. It was all the same to me!
I knew there was a HEA awaiting at the end of the horizon; I had looked a million times at the TOC- out of despair and frustration- and there it was in bold: Epilogue!
So all the game of cat-and-mouse felt redundant to me.
I am glad I had read the first book in this series 'Her Wicked Ways' right before this one, because despite of my disappointment with this book: I seriously think Mrs. Burke can write some decent books.
Read
March 24, 2013Cant seem to find this book anywhere. Any help?
August 2, 2020
Ethan/Jagger and Audrey-
An enjoyable read with a complete HEA
An enjoyable read with a complete HEA
January 29, 2018
Well, it was slightly better than the last one, so 2.5 stars?
The good?
The characters were better developed along with the romance. It helped that she began developing them in prior books in the series. Also the focus was almost entirely on the romance between Audrey and Ethan, the rest was in the background for the most part.
Audrey was different than most heroines -- she's not traditionally pretty, actually tall and awkward. And it takes the hero a while to realize he's attracted to her and how beautiful she is. So no, love at first lust. Nice to have a tall heroine for a change, most heroines are tiny things. I know there are a lot of short women out there -- but there aren't that many. So it was delightful to read a book about a tall woman for a change.
And Audrey for the most part could take care of herself. She could shoot, climb, and keeps up with the hero with little effort. She also manages to save his life throughout, far more than he saves hers. So the damsel bit is switched about a bit here.
The hero is your typical pretty bad boy trying to be good. Nothing new there. But he's kind, and there's no rape or sexual violence -- at least not from him. And he prevents any from happening to the heroine. (I've grown weary of that particular trope and tend to avoid it in books. Way overdone and too many romance novelists rely on the "rape trope" to push stuff forward. Very happy when they steer clear of it.)
The bad?
Pacing. I was bored in the middle. The book drug. Also, the supporting characters didn't have a lot of depth -- since the writer had already featured them in previous books. So if you haven't read all the previous books (which I hadn't), they feel a bit like a list of names. Phillipa and Severin got the most development along with Miranda and Fox. But Ethan's brother, Jason, got shafted. Shame. Their relationship was the best part of Jason's book.
The love scenes didn't work for me. They didn't in the previous one either -- although for different reasons. Here, they felt a bit forced. I don't think the writer is comfortable with love/sex scenes.
They felt awkward in places and off. Sex scenes are admittedly hard -- sort of similar to writing a dance scene or action scene -- which the writer didn't seem comfortable with either. Also the dialogue could have been snappier. I wanted good banter. It was more perfunctory banter.
I can't decide if part of my problem with this book is not the writer, but the fact that I'm beginning to get burned out on romance novels? This is possible -- considering I've read so many of them lately.
I may need to switch genres soon.
The good?
The characters were better developed along with the romance. It helped that she began developing them in prior books in the series. Also the focus was almost entirely on the romance between Audrey and Ethan, the rest was in the background for the most part.
Audrey was different than most heroines -- she's not traditionally pretty, actually tall and awkward. And it takes the hero a while to realize he's attracted to her and how beautiful she is. So no, love at first lust. Nice to have a tall heroine for a change, most heroines are tiny things. I know there are a lot of short women out there -- but there aren't that many. So it was delightful to read a book about a tall woman for a change.
And Audrey for the most part could take care of herself. She could shoot, climb, and keeps up with the hero with little effort. She also manages to save his life throughout, far more than he saves hers. So the damsel bit is switched about a bit here.
The hero is your typical pretty bad boy trying to be good. Nothing new there. But he's kind, and there's no rape or sexual violence -- at least not from him. And he prevents any from happening to the heroine. (I've grown weary of that particular trope and tend to avoid it in books. Way overdone and too many romance novelists rely on the "rape trope" to push stuff forward. Very happy when they steer clear of it.)
The bad?
Pacing. I was bored in the middle. The book drug. Also, the supporting characters didn't have a lot of depth -- since the writer had already featured them in previous books. So if you haven't read all the previous books (which I hadn't), they feel a bit like a list of names. Phillipa and Severin got the most development along with Miranda and Fox. But Ethan's brother, Jason, got shafted. Shame. Their relationship was the best part of Jason's book.
The love scenes didn't work for me. They didn't in the previous one either -- although for different reasons. Here, they felt a bit forced. I don't think the writer is comfortable with love/sex scenes.
They felt awkward in places and off. Sex scenes are admittedly hard -- sort of similar to writing a dance scene or action scene -- which the writer didn't seem comfortable with either. Also the dialogue could have been snappier. I wanted good banter. It was more perfunctory banter.
I can't decide if part of my problem with this book is not the writer, but the fact that I'm beginning to get burned out on romance novels? This is possible -- considering I've read so many of them lately.
I may need to switch genres soon.
January 15, 2018
The ending and epilogue are amazing and would give it 5 stars for that alone. But, the middle dragged for me and was repetitive so I lowered my rating.
Even though this is the last book of the series, I felt it was a stand alone. The previous character's do make an appearance, but I don't think you'd be lost. The only thing our H in a previous book saved two people's lives so you know he has good in him.
There is very descriptive lovemaking outside of marriage and quite often - but not vulgar. The Lord's name is taken in vain several times so be warned.
I enjoyed how their romance built slowly, and because of that when they make love it is full of passion.
There is a lot of suspense, twists and a great ending and epilogue . I am not going into the premise as many have explained it, just what I think you will get out of reading it. (ljb)
Even though this is the last book of the series, I felt it was a stand alone. The previous character's do make an appearance, but I don't think you'd be lost. The only thing our H in a previous book saved two people's lives so you know he has good in him.
There is very descriptive lovemaking outside of marriage and quite often - but not vulgar. The Lord's name is taken in vain several times so be warned.
I enjoyed how their romance built slowly, and because of that when they make love it is full of passion.
There is a lot of suspense, twists and a great ending and epilogue . I am not going into the premise as many have explained it, just what I think you will get out of reading it. (ljb)
June 3, 2018
Not much plot, enjoyable nonetheless. The romance doesn't particularly ring true. Audrey could've been the type of character I love but she fell flat. She had the appearance of spunk with no actual spunk. Jagger was very woe is me. And the Jagger/Lockewood thing drove me mental. Pick a name and stick with it. I understand why they didn't but it annoyed me.
August 30, 2018
Lockwood's bastard brother
Ethan wants to change his life from living in the darkness of London. Trust in the woman he loves, his brother and friends will give him all he needs for a new life, if the old life will let him.The pace was a little slower than books 1-3 & 5, so it didn't keep me entirely focused on the story as much as I was on the other books. A big change in Ethan's character from the previous books took me longer to accept, considering what he was like before. Enjoyed the book nonetheless.
Ethan wants to change his life from living in the darkness of London. Trust in the woman he loves, his brother and friends will give him all he needs for a new life, if the old life will let him.The pace was a little slower than books 1-3 & 5, so it didn't keep me entirely focused on the story as much as I was on the other books. A big change in Ethan's character from the previous books took me longer to accept, considering what he was like before. Enjoyed the book nonetheless.
April 28, 2020
Criminal to teacher
I have plowed through this series. After getting 1& 2 on bookbub I bought the rest and read them one after he other. Criminal lord Jagger turns out to be Ethan Lockewood,the illegitimate brother of Lord Lockewood .Ethan meets Audrey when he needs to learn to dance and when he is injured he goes to her and she helps him runaway . This is the most exciting story of the series, and it brings back all the characters in a stunning rescue. I will miss them.
I have plowed through this series. After getting 1& 2 on bookbub I bought the rest and read them one after he other. Criminal lord Jagger turns out to be Ethan Lockewood,the illegitimate brother of Lord Lockewood .Ethan meets Audrey when he needs to learn to dance and when he is injured he goes to her and she helps him runaway . This is the most exciting story of the series, and it brings back all the characters in a stunning rescue. I will miss them.
March 30, 2019
A scandalous escape
The last of the series and it pulls all of the characters from the previous books together to help Ethan and Audrey escape and begin a new life.
How they do it and how they escape Gin Jimmy creates enough breathless moments to make the book difficult to put down.
The last of the series and it pulls all of the characters from the previous books together to help Ethan and Audrey escape and begin a new life.
How they do it and how they escape Gin Jimmy creates enough breathless moments to make the book difficult to put down.
December 19, 2022
People can change for the good, if given a chance.
The authors people for the most part are very vivid. They are a colorful variety, she has a tendency to hook up men that have been on an uncertain path with women who see the possibilities in them for the betterment of themselves.
I enjoyed this set of books. 😊😊
The authors people for the most part are very vivid. They are a colorful variety, she has a tendency to hook up men that have been on an uncertain path with women who see the possibilities in them for the betterment of themselves.
I enjoyed this set of books. 😊😊
February 22, 2018
Outstanding
Adventure and love. Really enjoyed Ethan's transitions from childhood to adult and a different way of life. Audrey has been in other stories and she definitely deserved to find love. Sorry to see the series end.
Adventure and love. Really enjoyed Ethan's transitions from childhood to adult and a different way of life. Audrey has been in other stories and she definitely deserved to find love. Sorry to see the series end.
November 17, 2020
Ethan and Audrey
I thoroughly enjoyed the story if Ethan "Jagger" Lockwood. And, his heroine Audrey the unexpected tigress. Her strength of will is what Ethan needed to see his worthiness. To know he was worthy of a new life and true love.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story if Ethan "Jagger" Lockwood. And, his heroine Audrey the unexpected tigress. Her strength of will is what Ethan needed to see his worthiness. To know he was worthy of a new life and true love.
November 22, 2020
A great series
This was a good ending to the series. It was hard to reconcile the Jagger I met in Phillipa's story with Ethan/Jagger in this story but I was happy to see the changes. Audrey is a good match for him in many ways.
This was a good ending to the series. It was hard to reconcile the Jagger I met in Phillipa's story with Ethan/Jagger in this story but I was happy to see the changes. Audrey is a good match for him in many ways.
April 25, 2021
Great Read
I enjoyed the entire series Secrets and Scoundrels. They were great stories and were unpredictable. I love all of Darcy Burke’s books and have read them all. The characters in Scoundrel Ever After were different and the story was intense. I couldn’t put it down.
I enjoyed the entire series Secrets and Scoundrels. They were great stories and were unpredictable. I love all of Darcy Burke’s books and have read them all. The characters in Scoundrel Ever After were different and the story was intense. I couldn’t put it down.
August 31, 2021
Fast paced excitement
I was engaged with the story from the start having read the other books in this series. Kidnappings gun battles and climbing trees. Who would have thought so much action and passion in one book? Recommended reading
I was engaged with the story from the start having read the other books in this series. Kidnappings gun battles and climbing trees. Who would have thought so much action and passion in one book? Recommended reading
October 13, 2017
2 -1/2 stars
August 17, 2018
Loved it
How can you not enjoy a reformed scoundrel, a strong adventurous woman who loves him? Excitement, adventure, and blossoming love from page one. Loved it.
How can you not enjoy a reformed scoundrel, a strong adventurous woman who loves him? Excitement, adventure, and blossoming love from page one. Loved it.
September 11, 2019
Loved the hero & heroine. Good story.
September 27, 2024
⛔️(in notes)
December 5, 2025
I enjoyed the book - sad it’s the end of the series.
its-a-no-for-me-dawg
January 5, 2026Not interested - plot
February 17, 2014
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Scoundrel Ever After is Darcy Burke's 6th book in her Secrets and Scandals Series and probably it's most powerful. Using it as a format to wrap up an entire series as well as showcasing a relationship that should not work, Ms Burke does a wonderful job. Six couples who face adversity and rise about it. Six couples connected by blood and friendships.. People with flaws, HUGE flaws and yet willing to give themselves a second chance. A great series.
When we left Never Love A Scoundrel, Ethan Jagger aka Ethan Locke aka Ethan Lockwood, was trying desperately to redeem himself. To be the kind of brother he could be, to leave his life of crime behind and take up his place in the world. Of course nothing ever turns out as planned and he escaped London with the ever wallflower Audrey Cheswick in tow. No One had a clue what was going on.. But in Scoundrel Ever After we meet two truly unique individuals. A woman determined to live outside the structures society had put on her. To live beyond her parents low expectations of her. And a man who lost it all as a youth and who wants it back.
Audrey Cheswick is perceived as the biggest wallflower of all. Her parents have all but washed their hands of her and are actually suggesting she become a lady's companion. Audrey has other plans... Secretly dressing up as a man and sneaking into London's most notorious parties, giving dance lessons to the bastard brother of a Viscount.. there is so much more to Audrey than meets the eye. But when Ethan Locke climbs through her bedroom window, injured and running from well, running. Audrey knows she has to help him. When street thugs break into her house looking for her (as a way to control Ethan) she knows, fleeing with him is her only chance.
Ethan Jagger lost it all when his father died. All the hopes and dreams.. a chance to go to Oxford and study to become something. When his mother died he went to his father's legitimate family and begged for their help, denied and tossed to the streets, he did what he could to survive. Being and intelligent young man, he rose to the top. But now, he wants out. He wants a real life with a chance of family. To live the life his father wanted him to. Only first he has to get out from under the Crime Boss that holds his leash.. Oh and prove he didn't murder the Marquess he was found standing over, with a knife.. Injured an on the run, Ethan finds himself in Audrey's bedroom and becomes her knight in shining Armour (although it's more than a bit rusted and dinged up).
Running for their lives, never sure who they can trust transforms Audrey and Ethan. Forced to trust each other each turns to the other for support. Ethan is amazed at the dreams Audrey hides deep within her and while he encourages those dreams he is loathe to be the one she lives out those dreams with. Sure he is nonredeemable. Realizing that his hopes for a decent life are long gone. Ethan does all he can to protect Audrey and to find a way to be free. Of course every time he turns around his past is there, biting him in the derriere.
Audrey on the other hand is willing to give up the "decent" life as long as she can live what is left of her life with Ethan. Willing to do what it takes to survive, each day Audrey is free of the ton and their expectations makes her stronger. Finally convincing Ethan that there are those who can be trusted, Audrey and Ethan discover that there is so much more to life than surviving.
A wonderful story. Well written and heartbreaking. Joyful and Triumphant. A book that shows us we don't have to survive in the boxes others put us in but can thrive when we learn to fight for our dreams.
Tying up loose ends we get a chance to say goodbye to all of the characters in Ms Burke's Secrets and Scandals Series. Each one has a place in this story and I fell in love with them all over again. I am not really sure if this is the end for this series but I believe it is. While I am sure there are many more secrets out there and surely a plethora of Scandals, if Ms Burke decides to end it here she gave us a beautiful goodbye.<
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Scroundrel Ever After, provided by netgalley.
Scoundrel Ever After is Darcy Burke's 6th book in her Secrets and Scandals Series and probably it's most powerful. Using it as a format to wrap up an entire series as well as showcasing a relationship that should not work, Ms Burke does a wonderful job. Six couples who face adversity and rise about it. Six couples connected by blood and friendships.. People with flaws, HUGE flaws and yet willing to give themselves a second chance. A great series.
When we left Never Love A Scoundrel, Ethan Jagger aka Ethan Locke aka Ethan Lockwood, was trying desperately to redeem himself. To be the kind of brother he could be, to leave his life of crime behind and take up his place in the world. Of course nothing ever turns out as planned and he escaped London with the ever wallflower Audrey Cheswick in tow. No One had a clue what was going on.. But in Scoundrel Ever After we meet two truly unique individuals. A woman determined to live outside the structures society had put on her. To live beyond her parents low expectations of her. And a man who lost it all as a youth and who wants it back.
Audrey Cheswick is perceived as the biggest wallflower of all. Her parents have all but washed their hands of her and are actually suggesting she become a lady's companion. Audrey has other plans... Secretly dressing up as a man and sneaking into London's most notorious parties, giving dance lessons to the bastard brother of a Viscount.. there is so much more to Audrey than meets the eye. But when Ethan Locke climbs through her bedroom window, injured and running from well, running. Audrey knows she has to help him. When street thugs break into her house looking for her (as a way to control Ethan) she knows, fleeing with him is her only chance.
Ethan Jagger lost it all when his father died. All the hopes and dreams.. a chance to go to Oxford and study to become something. When his mother died he went to his father's legitimate family and begged for their help, denied and tossed to the streets, he did what he could to survive. Being and intelligent young man, he rose to the top. But now, he wants out. He wants a real life with a chance of family. To live the life his father wanted him to. Only first he has to get out from under the Crime Boss that holds his leash.. Oh and prove he didn't murder the Marquess he was found standing over, with a knife.. Injured an on the run, Ethan finds himself in Audrey's bedroom and becomes her knight in shining Armour (although it's more than a bit rusted and dinged up).
Running for their lives, never sure who they can trust transforms Audrey and Ethan. Forced to trust each other each turns to the other for support. Ethan is amazed at the dreams Audrey hides deep within her and while he encourages those dreams he is loathe to be the one she lives out those dreams with. Sure he is nonredeemable. Realizing that his hopes for a decent life are long gone. Ethan does all he can to protect Audrey and to find a way to be free. Of course every time he turns around his past is there, biting him in the derriere.
Audrey on the other hand is willing to give up the "decent" life as long as she can live what is left of her life with Ethan. Willing to do what it takes to survive, each day Audrey is free of the ton and their expectations makes her stronger. Finally convincing Ethan that there are those who can be trusted, Audrey and Ethan discover that there is so much more to life than surviving.
A wonderful story. Well written and heartbreaking. Joyful and Triumphant. A book that shows us we don't have to survive in the boxes others put us in but can thrive when we learn to fight for our dreams.
Tying up loose ends we get a chance to say goodbye to all of the characters in Ms Burke's Secrets and Scandals Series. Each one has a place in this story and I fell in love with them all over again. I am not really sure if this is the end for this series but I believe it is. While I am sure there are many more secrets out there and surely a plethora of Scandals, if Ms Burke decides to end it here she gave us a beautiful goodbye.<
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Scroundrel Ever After, provided by netgalley.
August 26, 2014
A Wallflower banishes her many loaded guns for her passionate happily ever after Scoundrel!
Ethan Jagged Locke Lockwood has too many names & a criminal past that he can't outrun. He is the illegitimate son of a Viscount, scarred his half brother's face, tried to past himself off as "Mr. Ethan Locke" to the ton, learned to dance via the sexy Audrey with her luscious chocolate corkscrew hair, wanted for 2 murders he didn't do, running for his life & all because he was trying to end his life of crime by getting London's underworld boss arrested. Ethan thought, if he brought Gin Jimmy to justice, he could really have a really life for once. He been stabbed & shot, dodging Bow Street Runners & Gin Jimmy's goons, but he runs to the closest stash of money, which happens to bring him to the tree outside Audrey's window.
Audrey Cheswick as always blended into the walls & became a Wallflower because she believes she is plain, too tall & has totally possessed hair. She is an unwanted daughter, lives with her Grandfather & has only a few friends, who all are married now. Her only excitement has been when she was around the mysterious Mr. Ethan Locke & teaching him in secret to waltz. Late 1 night, 2 oversized smelly men break into her Grandfather's home & as she tries to get help via her window, she see the yummy Ethan climbing the tree & begs his help to deal with the dastardly goons.
Ethan is shocked that Audrey is wearing britches, armed with a loaded gun & actually doesn't hesitate to shot a smelly goon, but realizes that Gin Jimmy wants to kidnap her to get to him. Audrey is looking forward to an adventure fleeing with Ethan, but why is everyone calling him Jagger? Thus begin the many MISadventures that take place for these 2 with shots fired, stealing many horses, sleeping together as man & wife, dodging Bow Street Runners, unthinking Gin Jimmy's posse, but it's Wallflower Audrey who saves the day with her scandalous pockets full of money after Ethan is shot again & passed out.
Ethan is floored by this fiery hellion who always has a backup plan, but he is a criminal & not worthy of her. Everything between them changes after they share a scandalous waltz & PANTIE MELTING kisses. When she learns of his past, she still is all in, because he makes her feel like a true woman, but he keeps pushing her away. Passions are finally unlocked & she knocks his stockings & boots off. These 2 need some serious help & get it from UNEXPECTED places, like people that Ethan used in his criminal past, his brother, Jason, new friends, an orphanage & many old enemies turned allies. Can Ethan & Audrey's fragile love save 1 another? If Ethan never trusts her, how can she truly light his dark world? How will the feisty Audrey save the man of her heart? Will Gin Jimmy be brought down? How many unloaded guns will Audrey wield for her man?
This is the last book in Ms. Burke's Secrets & Scandals series & she brings back almost all of the gang & ends it with a EXPLOSION! I absolutely loved this series & was lucky enough that my library order books 1-5 for me & I have to say, "My library ROCKS my book COSMOS!" My favorite kind of heroine is a Wallflower because they EARN their inner strength with all their unsuccessful Seasons & those snobby ton Ladies. Audrey was a true Wallflower, but had the heart of a true adventuress. Ethan had a unfair life, but it made him the tendered heart true gentleman, that he never believed he was. Ms. Burke bring intrigue, mystery, hilarious mayhem & seemly impossible & hopeless straits, but like her craft & super smart heroine, she always has a great Plan B, C & if needed Plan Z. She also brought back all her hero's & heroines from the all the others books, but it wasn't forced & worked seamlessly into the story. Ms. Burke also had my 2 favorite dudes, North & Scot, to help with their mysterious past. I hope 1 day that Ms. Burke writes Scot's story with his shadowy criminal past. I love that Audrey & Ethan had those UNEXPECTED up against the wall moments because Ethan was so open with himself. I give Ms. Burke my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes for this kinda sad Secrets & Scandals ending. Again Ms. Burke PRETTY PLEASE write Scot's story!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
Ethan Jagged Locke Lockwood has too many names & a criminal past that he can't outrun. He is the illegitimate son of a Viscount, scarred his half brother's face, tried to past himself off as "Mr. Ethan Locke" to the ton, learned to dance via the sexy Audrey with her luscious chocolate corkscrew hair, wanted for 2 murders he didn't do, running for his life & all because he was trying to end his life of crime by getting London's underworld boss arrested. Ethan thought, if he brought Gin Jimmy to justice, he could really have a really life for once. He been stabbed & shot, dodging Bow Street Runners & Gin Jimmy's goons, but he runs to the closest stash of money, which happens to bring him to the tree outside Audrey's window.
Audrey Cheswick as always blended into the walls & became a Wallflower because she believes she is plain, too tall & has totally possessed hair. She is an unwanted daughter, lives with her Grandfather & has only a few friends, who all are married now. Her only excitement has been when she was around the mysterious Mr. Ethan Locke & teaching him in secret to waltz. Late 1 night, 2 oversized smelly men break into her Grandfather's home & as she tries to get help via her window, she see the yummy Ethan climbing the tree & begs his help to deal with the dastardly goons.
Ethan is shocked that Audrey is wearing britches, armed with a loaded gun & actually doesn't hesitate to shot a smelly goon, but realizes that Gin Jimmy wants to kidnap her to get to him. Audrey is looking forward to an adventure fleeing with Ethan, but why is everyone calling him Jagger? Thus begin the many MISadventures that take place for these 2 with shots fired, stealing many horses, sleeping together as man & wife, dodging Bow Street Runners, unthinking Gin Jimmy's posse, but it's Wallflower Audrey who saves the day with her scandalous pockets full of money after Ethan is shot again & passed out.
Ethan is floored by this fiery hellion who always has a backup plan, but he is a criminal & not worthy of her. Everything between them changes after they share a scandalous waltz & PANTIE MELTING kisses. When she learns of his past, she still is all in, because he makes her feel like a true woman, but he keeps pushing her away. Passions are finally unlocked & she knocks his stockings & boots off. These 2 need some serious help & get it from UNEXPECTED places, like people that Ethan used in his criminal past, his brother, Jason, new friends, an orphanage & many old enemies turned allies. Can Ethan & Audrey's fragile love save 1 another? If Ethan never trusts her, how can she truly light his dark world? How will the feisty Audrey save the man of her heart? Will Gin Jimmy be brought down? How many unloaded guns will Audrey wield for her man?
This is the last book in Ms. Burke's Secrets & Scandals series & she brings back almost all of the gang & ends it with a EXPLOSION! I absolutely loved this series & was lucky enough that my library order books 1-5 for me & I have to say, "My library ROCKS my book COSMOS!" My favorite kind of heroine is a Wallflower because they EARN their inner strength with all their unsuccessful Seasons & those snobby ton Ladies. Audrey was a true Wallflower, but had the heart of a true adventuress. Ethan had a unfair life, but it made him the tendered heart true gentleman, that he never believed he was. Ms. Burke bring intrigue, mystery, hilarious mayhem & seemly impossible & hopeless straits, but like her craft & super smart heroine, she always has a great Plan B, C & if needed Plan Z. She also brought back all her hero's & heroines from the all the others books, but it wasn't forced & worked seamlessly into the story. Ms. Burke also had my 2 favorite dudes, North & Scot, to help with their mysterious past. I hope 1 day that Ms. Burke writes Scot's story with his shadowy criminal past. I love that Audrey & Ethan had those UNEXPECTED up against the wall moments because Ethan was so open with himself. I give Ms. Burke my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes for this kinda sad Secrets & Scandals ending. Again Ms. Burke PRETTY PLEASE write Scot's story!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
August 24, 2017
This is the third book in this series that I've read in quick succession. I suppose this strategy wasn't the best. It really highlighted all the things I disliked about the previous book and magnified them tenfold.
In the final novel of this series, Audrey, a wallflower, finds herself on the run with Ethan Lock, the illegitimate son of a peer (his half-brother Jason featured in the previous novel). Ethan, having lived a life of scandal and criminality, has turned a new leaf and wants to turn things around. Only, his past is catching up with him and placing his life and that of the woman he's come to love, in constant danger.
Look, DB can write well. That's not the issue at all. My problem is the story itself. It tries to be deep and complex, but comes off as fluff that's trying too hard. Reading book #3, then #5 and now this one, has left me so frustrated. The plots are fine, but the story lacks depth. The characters come across as rather superficial, despite the fact that they have rather meaty backgrounds. They're also completely and utterly illogical. They do things that make no sense. The narrative is bogged down by the sub-plots. There's so many people, so many things happening at one time, eventually I just stopped caring.
1) Firstly, Audrey takes off with a man she barely knows who's clearly running from something dangerous - while her grandfather is lying on the floor after being attacked by a criminal. Huh?! Why would she do something like this? The story tells us because she longs for adventure. No, sorry. Leaving your relative to an uncertain fate purely because you're seeking some thrill makes zero sense.
2) Ethan. Oh Ethan. You could have been such a wonderful hero. The right elements were there - troubled past, criminal tendencies, struggle for redemption, etc. But he just never reached his true potential. Again, I never felt as though I was immersed in his character, as though I fully understood what made him tick, got beneath his skin, truly got to grips with his inner self. He was just...ordinary.
3) Keeping with Ethan, the entire story-line (that continues from the previous book) involving his half-brother Jason was poorly executed. It was cute fluff and had none of the realistic and emotional development I would have expected. It was completely unrealistic that these two men who hated one another were practically besties without any justifiable character/story development.
4) Audrey - I wanted to like her, really I did. But the constant back and forth was so irritating. She runs off with a man she barely knows - which already makes one raise one's brow. But okay, let's go with it. She then discovers that he's a criminal within hours of their escape. She chooses to stay with him. She jumps his bones. Then she wants to leave. Then she jumps his bones some more. Then she wants to stay. Then she wants him to leave her. Then she jumps his bones another time. Then miraculously, within the span of one scene, realises that she loves him and he really has changed. How has he changed, Audrey? Just a second ago, you thought he wasn't capable of change. It gave me whiplash. Decide what you want your character to be DB, and then work steadily towards what you'd like her to become. But this back and forth was so annoying.
5) DB seems to like the idea of young ladies going from blushing innocents to practiced courtesans within the span of a scene. Please stop. It's ridiculous.
6) The Gin Jimmy thing. Bleh. The thousand people who were chasing after Ethan and Audrey were 999 people too many. After every corner someone else was attacking them. It got to be a real bore after a while.
I've only read three books in this series and that's enough for me. I won't be reading more.
In the final novel of this series, Audrey, a wallflower, finds herself on the run with Ethan Lock, the illegitimate son of a peer (his half-brother Jason featured in the previous novel). Ethan, having lived a life of scandal and criminality, has turned a new leaf and wants to turn things around. Only, his past is catching up with him and placing his life and that of the woman he's come to love, in constant danger.
Look, DB can write well. That's not the issue at all. My problem is the story itself. It tries to be deep and complex, but comes off as fluff that's trying too hard. Reading book #3, then #5 and now this one, has left me so frustrated. The plots are fine, but the story lacks depth. The characters come across as rather superficial, despite the fact that they have rather meaty backgrounds. They're also completely and utterly illogical. They do things that make no sense. The narrative is bogged down by the sub-plots. There's so many people, so many things happening at one time, eventually I just stopped caring.
1) Firstly, Audrey takes off with a man she barely knows who's clearly running from something dangerous - while her grandfather is lying on the floor after being attacked by a criminal. Huh?! Why would she do something like this? The story tells us because she longs for adventure. No, sorry. Leaving your relative to an uncertain fate purely because you're seeking some thrill makes zero sense.
2) Ethan. Oh Ethan. You could have been such a wonderful hero. The right elements were there - troubled past, criminal tendencies, struggle for redemption, etc. But he just never reached his true potential. Again, I never felt as though I was immersed in his character, as though I fully understood what made him tick, got beneath his skin, truly got to grips with his inner self. He was just...ordinary.
3) Keeping with Ethan, the entire story-line (that continues from the previous book) involving his half-brother Jason was poorly executed. It was cute fluff and had none of the realistic and emotional development I would have expected. It was completely unrealistic that these two men who hated one another were practically besties without any justifiable character/story development.
4) Audrey - I wanted to like her, really I did. But the constant back and forth was so irritating. She runs off with a man she barely knows - which already makes one raise one's brow. But okay, let's go with it. She then discovers that he's a criminal within hours of their escape. She chooses to stay with him. She jumps his bones. Then she wants to leave. Then she jumps his bones some more. Then she wants to stay. Then she wants him to leave her. Then she jumps his bones another time. Then miraculously, within the span of one scene, realises that she loves him and he really has changed. How has he changed, Audrey? Just a second ago, you thought he wasn't capable of change. It gave me whiplash. Decide what you want your character to be DB, and then work steadily towards what you'd like her to become. But this back and forth was so annoying.
5) DB seems to like the idea of young ladies going from blushing innocents to practiced courtesans within the span of a scene. Please stop. It's ridiculous.
6) The Gin Jimmy thing. Bleh. The thousand people who were chasing after Ethan and Audrey were 999 people too many. After every corner someone else was attacking them. It got to be a real bore after a while.
I've only read three books in this series and that's enough for me. I won't be reading more.
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