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Arcane Tales #1
The Scoundrel's New Con
He’s pulling the con of a lifetime. Unless she exposes the naked truth.
Conman Jack Weaver has his eyes on the prize. The arrogant Earl of Barrick has offered five thousand pounds to anyone who can prove his castle is haunted. With money like that, Jack can ensure he’ll never end up on the streets or in prison again. And his spirit photography skills are just the thing to convince all the houseguests to believe in something that’s not really there.
Investigative journalist Tess Cochran believes in one thing: the truth. She’s not going to let phony ghosts and trick photographs swindle anyone, even a snobbish arristorcat like Bardrick. And she’s certainly not going to let herself be swayed by Jack Weaver’s charming smile and mischievous antics.
When Jack and Tess stumble upon one of the castle’s many secrets, they realize something nefarious lurks behind the earl’s competition. To solve the mystery, these rivals forge a reluctant partnership. And as they strip down the facts, Jack and Tess begin to find that the deepest truths may be concealed in their hearts.
Conman Jack Weaver has his eyes on the prize. The arrogant Earl of Barrick has offered five thousand pounds to anyone who can prove his castle is haunted. With money like that, Jack can ensure he’ll never end up on the streets or in prison again. And his spirit photography skills are just the thing to convince all the houseguests to believe in something that’s not really there.
Investigative journalist Tess Cochran believes in one thing: the truth. She’s not going to let phony ghosts and trick photographs swindle anyone, even a snobbish arristorcat like Bardrick. And she’s certainly not going to let herself be swayed by Jack Weaver’s charming smile and mischievous antics.
When Jack and Tess stumble upon one of the castle’s many secrets, they realize something nefarious lurks behind the earl’s competition. To solve the mystery, these rivals forge a reluctant partnership. And as they strip down the facts, Jack and Tess begin to find that the deepest truths may be concealed in their hearts.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2020
3 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Stein
28 books169 followersAward-winning author Catherine Stein believes that everyone deserves love and that Happily Ever After has the power to help, to heal, and to comfort. She writes sassy, sexy romance set during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Her books are full of action, adventure, magic, and fantastic technologies.
Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.
Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 4, 2020
Catherine Stein continues to show tremendous growth in her craft with another excellent offering. The Scoundrel’s New Con is a great study in character development, especially with Jack’s. It contains snappy dialogues and a proper amount of push and pull between Tess and Jack that enhances the anticipation of the satisfying payoff.
Full review at maidamalby.com
Full review at maidamalby.com
September 23, 2020
As usual Catherine Stein took me on a charming, funny, and romantic escape, with her trademark snappy banter. Tess and Jack were so much fun together. Perfect for anyone suffering lockdown blues.
October 24, 2021
What super fun and sexy take on the spiritualist vs. fraud hunter trope! Let's be honest, most of the time the heroine is a woman medium who enters into a wager with the fraud hunting, coldly logical hero. She usually recognizes her wayward actions and disavows her profession by the end of the book (unless you happen to be reading a historical PNR and the medium isn't faking it).
Well here, the undercover journalist bent on digging up the truth is Tess, the heroine, while Jack, our hero, is a self-proclaimed con man and spirit photographer. What's more, he might even have some convincing arguments to keep Tess from revealing his deceptions...
Set at a house party, ensuring plenty of opportunity for forced proximity, the book explores ethical decision making from a distinctly interesting point of view. Plus there's a lot of dirty talk (turns out Tess might not be as respectable as she wants people to think she is), a cute kitty companion, a completely different con than Jack's, and a wonderfully touching grand gesture. We really liked it!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Well here, the undercover journalist bent on digging up the truth is Tess, the heroine, while Jack, our hero, is a self-proclaimed con man and spirit photographer. What's more, he might even have some convincing arguments to keep Tess from revealing his deceptions...
Set at a house party, ensuring plenty of opportunity for forced proximity, the book explores ethical decision making from a distinctly interesting point of view. Plus there's a lot of dirty talk (turns out Tess might not be as respectable as she wants people to think she is), a cute kitty companion, a completely different con than Jack's, and a wonderfully touching grand gesture. We really liked it!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
August 3, 2020
I absolutely loved The Scoundrel’s New Con by Catherine Stein. It was a delightful mix of twisty staircases, midnight trysts, clever dialogue, deliciously sweet and romantic intrigue, fascinating characters, and occasional sightings of a phantom-like kitty. Catherine Stein is quickly becoming an author I watch for new releases. I am so enjoying her work - light-hearted, original, & Fun!
Jack Weaver/MMC is a bit of a swindler and has fashioned himself a spiritual photographer who supposedly captures the ghostly images of the deceased relatives hovering around his clients. Admittedly a scandalous flirt, Jack is shrewd and observant, at times a liar and a cheat. He has an excellent memory and perhaps surprisingly is both serious and talented in his craft of photography. Jack and his cousin Lydia (the latter established as a psychic) having survived the stench of the streets, work hard in their professions that they may never go hungry again.
Tess Cochran/FMC is a passionate investigative journalist for a London newspaper. She was educated in a girl’s school, is a woman of wit and determination, cynical by nature, possessing both a rebellious and an adventurous character. She has a sweet smile and actively despises wastrels, frauds and dishonesty.
The Scoundrel’s New Con is a captivating gothic romantic mystery/adventure which begins when a paranormal skeptic, the Earl of Bardrick, issues a 2 week challenge inviting any psychic to visit his massive country estate and prove it haunted in the presence of other witnesses. A five thousand pound prize is to be awarded to the one who succeeds. Among the invited titled guests and various psychics looking either for entertainment or hoping to win the prize, Jack, Lydia, and Tess attend.
The Scoundrel’s New Con may be enjoyed by those who enjoy light-hearted action/adventure romance novels, historical gothic-type romance mysteries, either the proximity/danger or the enemies to lovers trope, and/or Sweet & Sexy HEAs. The Scoundrel’s New Con reminded me somewhat of both Elizabeth Peter’s Vicky Bliss and her Amelia Peabody mystery novels, and the classic Mary Stewart romance novels. I found it delightful.
Reader Caution -
Violence- No.
Profanity - Yes. Strong language used on occasion.
Sexual situations- Yes. In the latter half there are two somewhat brief but steamy scenes of intimacy between the main characters (which could be skipped without missing the main story). Due to the aforementioned, I do not recommend The Scoundrel’s New Con to young readers or those who prefer Clean novels and therefore would be offended.
Jack Weaver/MMC is a bit of a swindler and has fashioned himself a spiritual photographer who supposedly captures the ghostly images of the deceased relatives hovering around his clients. Admittedly a scandalous flirt, Jack is shrewd and observant, at times a liar and a cheat. He has an excellent memory and perhaps surprisingly is both serious and talented in his craft of photography. Jack and his cousin Lydia (the latter established as a psychic) having survived the stench of the streets, work hard in their professions that they may never go hungry again.
Tess Cochran/FMC is a passionate investigative journalist for a London newspaper. She was educated in a girl’s school, is a woman of wit and determination, cynical by nature, possessing both a rebellious and an adventurous character. She has a sweet smile and actively despises wastrels, frauds and dishonesty.
The Scoundrel’s New Con is a captivating gothic romantic mystery/adventure which begins when a paranormal skeptic, the Earl of Bardrick, issues a 2 week challenge inviting any psychic to visit his massive country estate and prove it haunted in the presence of other witnesses. A five thousand pound prize is to be awarded to the one who succeeds. Among the invited titled guests and various psychics looking either for entertainment or hoping to win the prize, Jack, Lydia, and Tess attend.
The Scoundrel’s New Con may be enjoyed by those who enjoy light-hearted action/adventure romance novels, historical gothic-type romance mysteries, either the proximity/danger or the enemies to lovers trope, and/or Sweet & Sexy HEAs. The Scoundrel’s New Con reminded me somewhat of both Elizabeth Peter’s Vicky Bliss and her Amelia Peabody mystery novels, and the classic Mary Stewart romance novels. I found it delightful.
Reader Caution -
Violence- No.
Profanity - Yes. Strong language used on occasion.
Sexual situations- Yes. In the latter half there are two somewhat brief but steamy scenes of intimacy between the main characters (which could be skipped without missing the main story). Due to the aforementioned, I do not recommend The Scoundrel’s New Con to young readers or those who prefer Clean novels and therefore would be offended.
June 24, 2020
Thank you to the author for the free ebook I received via a giveaway on Facebook. This one took my longer to read than most romance novels, purely because it was an ebook which is not my favorite format. It was definitely a cute story and I enjoyed the characters, I just wish there was more character development and depth to their story. They both have compelling histories that could have made the story and their connection much more poignant. But overall it was a cute read and I liked it!
September 26, 2020
The way Catherine Stein's characters gain understanding about themselves and grow towards each other over the course of the story just makes me so happy, and this book doesn't disappoint. Also it's really funny and has an interesting premise--a house party full of people trying to prove the house is haunted.
October 11, 2021
I adored this book. Jack and Tess have an awesome dynamic and it was a perfect swoony Halloween read. I cannot wait for the next!
October 29, 2021
What a sweet story! It wasn't very long but the pacing and character development were both spot on. And the writing was lovely! I'll definitely be picking up more from this author.
June 1, 2020
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Scoundrel’s New Con, Catherine Stein’s contribution to the Lady Goosebury’s Tales Victorian fairy tale retellings series, is pure fun, while also hinting at something sinister below the surface. Putting a delightful spin on “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” this story has opposites in the lead roles and their fall into love amidst the conflict is wonderful.
Jack is the type of scoundrel even a hard-hearted reader like myself with high expectations can like, in that he has all the charm and finesse, and none of the truly problematic tendencies. While he sees cons as his only outlet for making his living, I loved seeing him change to an extent and find a more honorable path that also involves using his gifts.
Tess is a great match for him in terms of challenging him to become a better person. And this is a great case where opposites really do not only attract, but balance each other out, as her thing is seeking the truth holding Jack to account, even as the romantic tension between them builds.
I really enjoyed this book, and its fun spin on a tale that hasn’t been retold at all to my knowledge in a romance novel, or at least not to the extent some others have. I recommend this to anyone looking for a new underrated historical romance author to try.
The Scoundrel’s New Con, Catherine Stein’s contribution to the Lady Goosebury’s Tales Victorian fairy tale retellings series, is pure fun, while also hinting at something sinister below the surface. Putting a delightful spin on “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” this story has opposites in the lead roles and their fall into love amidst the conflict is wonderful.
Jack is the type of scoundrel even a hard-hearted reader like myself with high expectations can like, in that he has all the charm and finesse, and none of the truly problematic tendencies. While he sees cons as his only outlet for making his living, I loved seeing him change to an extent and find a more honorable path that also involves using his gifts.
Tess is a great match for him in terms of challenging him to become a better person. And this is a great case where opposites really do not only attract, but balance each other out, as her thing is seeking the truth holding Jack to account, even as the romantic tension between them builds.
I really enjoyed this book, and its fun spin on a tale that hasn’t been retold at all to my knowledge in a romance novel, or at least not to the extent some others have. I recommend this to anyone looking for a new underrated historical romance author to try.
May 5, 2020
If you want a fresh, delightful tale with humor, charm and wit, you've found it! Jack and Tess meet at a seance where he claims to be a photographer who can capture spirits and she is an undercover writer looking to expose him. As they both work to establish their disparate careers, they find themselves working together while pursuing their separate dreams. Throw in an adorable cat and you will be totally enamored. I received an ARC from the Author for my honest opinion.
October 24, 2021
🎞 The Scoundrel's New Con 🎞
Arcane Tales Book 1
✒️ Catherine Stein
https://www.facebook.com/catsteinbooks/
Release Date 06/01/2020
Publisher Catherine Stein
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08563GDGL/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
He’s pulling the con of a lifetime. Unless she exposes the naked truth.
Conman Jack Weaver has his eyes on the prize. The arrogant Earl of Bardrick has offered five thousand pounds to anyone who can prove his castle is haunted. With money like that, Jack can ensure he’ll never end up on the streets or in prison again. And his spirit photography skills are just the trick needed to convince all of the earl’s houseguests to believe in something unseen.
Investigative journalist Tess Cochran believes in one thing: the truth. She’s not going to let phony ghosts and trick photographs swindle anyone, even a snobbish aristocrat like Bardrick. And she’s certainly not going to let herself be swayed by Jack Weaver’s charming smile and mischievous antics.
When Jack and Tess stumble upon one of the castle’s many secrets, they realize something nefarious lurks behind the earl’s competition. To solve the mystery, these rivals forge a reluctant partnership. As they strip down the facts, Jack and Tess begin to find that the deepest truths may be concealed in their hearts.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she choose her heart or reason …
Fun but I loved Jack instantly, he is the swindler of this story, but he does it with talent and a certain empathy. He might be scamming people but they are in some way willing participants.
And as his past is explained along the pages, I loved him even more. He is just a young man who had been dealt the wrong cards in life. He tried to survive and more than once life threw him a punch. And while innerly he knows he should stay away from Tess, he admires her independence and spirit and it is what draws him to her.
His kind and caring persona wants to help her even if it might endanger his own living. He is a man who can’t changes his gentle soul and his true goodness, even more from the woman who makes him long for more, for another life.
Tess is Jack’s enemy from the beginning, determined to expose him for the con man she is sure he is. Yet the devilish man is welcoming of her, smiling, teasing and joking with her. He even teaches her how to proceed to develop photographies. So as she investigates all the houseguests and most closely Jack, she learns not everything is black and white, and begins to doubt part of the purpose of her mission. As while she wants to open the eyes of her readers, she does not want at the same time hurt the living of some of the people she came to like.
Plus Jack is so much more than his tricks, he has an uncanny knack for reading people.
But for the truth seeker she is, he is more than a challenge, he screams danger to everything she has clung for the past years. So is she right to hold on her own prejudices or can she compromise when she discerns the real Jack behind his flourish persona.
I loved this tale, and with Halloween getting closer, this tale with a spooky side, was the perfect story to warm my day.
In a few read books, the author has quickly ascended the stairs to be now among my favorite writers.
So do not miss Jack and Tess’ story, it is packed with everything for a cost entertaining moment with some pluck, fantom, steam and mystery.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVa3q7vD...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram #bookbirthday
Arcane Tales Book 1
✒️ Catherine Stein
https://www.facebook.com/catsteinbooks/
Release Date 06/01/2020
Publisher Catherine Stein
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08563GDGL/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
He’s pulling the con of a lifetime. Unless she exposes the naked truth.
Conman Jack Weaver has his eyes on the prize. The arrogant Earl of Bardrick has offered five thousand pounds to anyone who can prove his castle is haunted. With money like that, Jack can ensure he’ll never end up on the streets or in prison again. And his spirit photography skills are just the trick needed to convince all of the earl’s houseguests to believe in something unseen.
Investigative journalist Tess Cochran believes in one thing: the truth. She’s not going to let phony ghosts and trick photographs swindle anyone, even a snobbish aristocrat like Bardrick. And she’s certainly not going to let herself be swayed by Jack Weaver’s charming smile and mischievous antics.
When Jack and Tess stumble upon one of the castle’s many secrets, they realize something nefarious lurks behind the earl’s competition. To solve the mystery, these rivals forge a reluctant partnership. As they strip down the facts, Jack and Tess begin to find that the deepest truths may be concealed in their hearts.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she choose her heart or reason …
Fun but I loved Jack instantly, he is the swindler of this story, but he does it with talent and a certain empathy. He might be scamming people but they are in some way willing participants.
And as his past is explained along the pages, I loved him even more. He is just a young man who had been dealt the wrong cards in life. He tried to survive and more than once life threw him a punch. And while innerly he knows he should stay away from Tess, he admires her independence and spirit and it is what draws him to her.
His kind and caring persona wants to help her even if it might endanger his own living. He is a man who can’t changes his gentle soul and his true goodness, even more from the woman who makes him long for more, for another life.
Tess is Jack’s enemy from the beginning, determined to expose him for the con man she is sure he is. Yet the devilish man is welcoming of her, smiling, teasing and joking with her. He even teaches her how to proceed to develop photographies. So as she investigates all the houseguests and most closely Jack, she learns not everything is black and white, and begins to doubt part of the purpose of her mission. As while she wants to open the eyes of her readers, she does not want at the same time hurt the living of some of the people she came to like.
Plus Jack is so much more than his tricks, he has an uncanny knack for reading people.
But for the truth seeker she is, he is more than a challenge, he screams danger to everything she has clung for the past years. So is she right to hold on her own prejudices or can she compromise when she discerns the real Jack behind his flourish persona.
I loved this tale, and with Halloween getting closer, this tale with a spooky side, was the perfect story to warm my day.
In a few read books, the author has quickly ascended the stairs to be now among my favorite writers.
So do not miss Jack and Tess’ story, it is packed with everything for a cost entertaining moment with some pluck, fantom, steam and mystery.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVa3q7vD...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram #bookbirthday
September 4, 2025
Jack was such a smooth flirt. He was a trickster, but definitely not a bad guy. I immediately took a liking to him because he wasn't the usual wealthy playboy with a robust body. Tess frustrated me a bit..unmarried women had to maintain a proper reputation to pursue and maintain certain careers, but come on Tess, don't shut out Jack.
The author revealed tidbits of the characters' past in a way that made me more curiously eager to continue reading.
I'm guessing this story is set in the 1870's or after. Which is a time period I'm attracted to. Too many historical romances seem to be Regency Era.
I did wish there were longer interactions with the side characters and more "performances" by other spiritualists. I wanted to read more about different occult practices that were popular during that time. Though I did learn briefly about orchidelirium. And I might start using the phrase, "Go to the devil!"...heh.
So in the end I liked the author's other novel ("Earth Earls Are Easy") a little more than this...maybe because this novel could have been longer. But just like the main characters in Earth Earls, Tess and Jack performed heroic deeds for one another. And they were very protective of one another. Thank goodness the kitten was still around. I will check out the next book in the series.
The author revealed tidbits of the characters' past in a way that made me more curiously eager to continue reading.
I'm guessing this story is set in the 1870's or after. Which is a time period I'm attracted to. Too many historical romances seem to be Regency Era.
I did wish there were longer interactions with the side characters and more "performances" by other spiritualists. I wanted to read more about different occult practices that were popular during that time. Though I did learn briefly about orchidelirium. And I might start using the phrase, "Go to the devil!"...heh.
So in the end I liked the author's other novel ("Earth Earls Are Easy") a little more than this...maybe because this novel could have been longer. But just like the main characters in Earth Earls, Tess and Jack performed heroic deeds for one another. And they were very protective of one another. Thank goodness the kitten was still around. I will check out the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2022
This book was a bit too close to a Harlequin romance for my taste. I did not end up finishing it.
I have absolutely no problem with a book having romance in it, as long as it also has a good story and interesting characters. This book just had too many heaving bosoms and male anatomy descriptions in the two main characters who were so busy thinking about jumping each other's bones that they could barely focus on what was their respective alleged reasons for being at the house party with the ghost-hunting bet.
This was just too over-the-top for my taste. Fortunately, I got it very inexpensively as a bookbub deal so I don't have to feel bad about not finishing it.
I have absolutely no problem with a book having romance in it, as long as it also has a good story and interesting characters. This book just had too many heaving bosoms and male anatomy descriptions in the two main characters who were so busy thinking about jumping each other's bones that they could barely focus on what was their respective alleged reasons for being at the house party with the ghost-hunting bet.
This was just too over-the-top for my taste. Fortunately, I got it very inexpensively as a bookbub deal so I don't have to feel bad about not finishing it.
December 9, 2020
Delightful
I love a historical with working class heroes, in this case Tess, an investigative reporter, and Jack, photographer of spirits who works with his cousin who is a medium. There is a house party at a haunted castle on the coast and a contest between spiritualists to prove the presence of ghosts. The protagonists are both charming, independent and plucky so this romp is a delight.
I love a historical with working class heroes, in this case Tess, an investigative reporter, and Jack, photographer of spirits who works with his cousin who is a medium. There is a house party at a haunted castle on the coast and a contest between spiritualists to prove the presence of ghosts. The protagonists are both charming, independent and plucky so this romp is a delight.
July 26, 2020
Stein sets her historical romance at Badrick Castle.
Jack Weaver is a spirit photographer. Tess Cockran is an investigative journalist.
The two meet during a contest.
A fun romance with light touches of mystery.
Jack Weaver is a spirit photographer. Tess Cockran is an investigative journalist.
The two meet during a contest.
A fun romance with light touches of mystery.
July 2, 2022
The Scoundrel's New Con is such a fun book! It's the first by Stein that I've ever read and I'm definitely going to check out more of her books after reading this one.
Jack Weaver is a spirit photographer looking to win a competition proving an earl's castle is haunted. Tess Cochran is a journalist going undercover trying to prove people like Jack are con artists. Two people with opposing goals and sparks flying between them?
I loved this book so much! It has the two tropes that I can't get enough of:
-grump heroine/sunshine hero
-one-sided enemies to lovers (Tess doesn't like Jack, but he's enamored of her 😍)
This book is perfect for spooky season and it was such a fun read! It is easily one of my favorites of all time!
Jack Weaver is a spirit photographer looking to win a competition proving an earl's castle is haunted. Tess Cochran is a journalist going undercover trying to prove people like Jack are con artists. Two people with opposing goals and sparks flying between them?
I loved this book so much! It has the two tropes that I can't get enough of:
-grump heroine/sunshine hero
-one-sided enemies to lovers (Tess doesn't like Jack, but he's enamored of her 😍)
This book is perfect for spooky season and it was such a fun read! It is easily one of my favorites of all time!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews