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Scoundrels #2
Captivated
It was only supposed to be one night…
Broke and down on her luck, Shea has a new job as a waitress in a fantasy show nightclub and can’t resist the lure of sleeping on one of the prop beds. Unknown to her, the enigmatic boss is watching her.
Travis, always the voyeur, finds himself unsatisfied with just watching, and has to have Shea for himself.
Two people–one desperate, one broken, both hopelessly alone. Until now.
But will a dark secret be the tragedy their passion can’t overcome?
Includes bonus story, Enticed.
Previously titled White Knight.
Broke and down on her luck, Shea has a new job as a waitress in a fantasy show nightclub and can’t resist the lure of sleeping on one of the prop beds. Unknown to her, the enigmatic boss is watching her.
Travis, always the voyeur, finds himself unsatisfied with just watching, and has to have Shea for himself.
Two people–one desperate, one broken, both hopelessly alone. Until now.
But will a dark secret be the tragedy their passion can’t overcome?
Includes bonus story, Enticed.
Previously titled White Knight.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2011
34 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Mari Carr
230 books4,000 followersWriting a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 22, 2011
Oh my, what a beautiful story. I loved Black Jack, but I think this one was even better. I loved both the current and historical parts. I thought they worked together seamlessly, almost showing us two sides to Shea and Travis, yet they were distinct stories in themselves. And my heart was crushed for Travis when it was revealed what formed his personality, his quirks. Shea was exactly what he needed, and I was glad to see the HEA at the end. Ms. Carr creates such great characters and stories, and Shea and Travis and their story was just so wonderful.
July 21, 2020
Captivated by Mari Carr is a magnificent contemporary romance. Ms. Carr has provided readers with a book that is well-written and populated it with fun, lovable characters. Travis is the owner of Scoundrels, where fetish shows were performed nightly. Travis sits in his nest behind mirrored glass and watches. So when Shea, the new hire, creeps out of the restroom and into the bed on the stage he watches over her every night. Travis and Shea's story is loaded with drama, humor, sizzle and a touch of angst. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to my next book by Mari Carr. Captivated is book 2 of the Scoundrels Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger and also includes a short story in the back of the book.
May 1, 2018
I loved this novella. I also loved the secondary story that was woven into it. This is book two in series but absolutely can be read as stand-alone. Shea is new to town having wanted a new start. Travis is struggling with his depression. They are drawn to each other. This story is not rushed but paced really well. Shea and Travis are learning to trust each other and both want more, but Travis still needs to work on him. I loved the natural HFN ending!
August 31, 2018
Shea Landon is the newest waitress at Scoundrels. She's homeless and finds a way to sleep inside the club after everyone has gone home. Except she doesn't realize owner Travis Knight watches everything on the video monitors and knows she's there! I didn't like this story as much as I usually enjoy Mari Carr's books. There was a story within the story in this book - I guess it was Shea's dream or fantasy in a historical world, running parallel to her relationship with Travis.
June 19, 2020
Enjoyed this short read
I really enjoyed this short, sexy story. Travis was damaged and Shea was flawed, but they lifted and helped each other in completely different ways.
I wasn't as impressed with Enticed, the bonus story. I'm not into manipulated outcomes aka "I know what you want better than you do." Just not my thing.
I really enjoyed this short, sexy story. Travis was damaged and Shea was flawed, but they lifted and helped each other in completely different ways.
I wasn't as impressed with Enticed, the bonus story. I'm not into manipulated outcomes aka "I know what you want better than you do." Just not my thing.
July 23, 2020
A double surprise
This set of books was a nice light read. Well written with decently built characters that made me wish they were longer!
I love how it revolved around a fantasy club and we were given a fantasy story ourselves. I really hope we can dive into more books for this series even tho the core 3 (now 4) have their happy ending.
This set of books was a nice light read. Well written with decently built characters that made me wish they were longer!
I love how it revolved around a fantasy club and we were given a fantasy story ourselves. I really hope we can dive into more books for this series even tho the core 3 (now 4) have their happy ending.
December 24, 2022
I liked the instant attraction between the couple, and I loved that they explored things outside of their comfort zone together. Travis’ emotional problem was handled well, and it added a depth to the story
September 9, 2023
Shea and Travis now and Shea and Travis in Victorian times form two stories within this book. In both cases, Travis has trauma that he's trying to get over and Shea is figuring out how to help him. Lots of teasing and nice heat.
Read
April 12, 2021Not a big plot, but lots of sexy times
March 21, 2022
Definitely a spicy series!
February 10, 2024
Read on Radish under name of Captivated.
November 26, 2017
Shea Landon needed a fresh start, but being homeless in LA isn’t exactly what she had in mind. She’s just started working at the fetish club Scoundrels, but she doesn’t have enough money to find a place to live or even stay at a hotel in a safe part of the city. So when she spies the big, comfy bed used as a stage prop, Shea takes a risk and starts living at the club. Shea doesn’t think anyone will notice if she’s careful. Except someone does…
Travis Knight is shocked when he sees his newest employee taking up residence in Scoundrels. He should call the police, but instead he keeps watch over Shea through the security monitors. Then a twist of fate brings Travis out from the shadows and into Shea’s life. But though attraction sparks instantly between the pair, Travis bears unseen scars that keep him from being able to give himself unreservedly to Shea. And the tragedy that haunts him might make Travis retreat until all he has is fantasies.
White Knight packs a punch with its blend of eroticism and heartbreak. Travis stole my heart in the first Scoundrels story, Black Jack, and I was eager to find out what keeps him separated from the rest of the world. Travis can’t bear to be touched unless he initiates it and his struggle with wanting to have Shea touching him but not being able to handle it tugged on my heartstrings. It takes a strong heroine to match a hero like Travis, and Shea definitely has a spine of steel. She’s been thrown hard knocks right and left all her life, but she doesn’t let any of it break her. She comes into her own over the course of White Knight, and it was a joy to watch her develop.
White Knight isn’t all angst, however. Mari Carr’s signature sensuality definitely heats up the tale! Between Travis’s fantasies and the erotic games he and Shea play, White Knight sizzles almost nonstop. All in all, I found White Knight to be an original, entertaining story. As someone who’s been looking forward to White Knight ever since I read Black Jack, I can safely say that Ms. Carr does not disappoint!
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
Travis Knight is shocked when he sees his newest employee taking up residence in Scoundrels. He should call the police, but instead he keeps watch over Shea through the security monitors. Then a twist of fate brings Travis out from the shadows and into Shea’s life. But though attraction sparks instantly between the pair, Travis bears unseen scars that keep him from being able to give himself unreservedly to Shea. And the tragedy that haunts him might make Travis retreat until all he has is fantasies.
White Knight packs a punch with its blend of eroticism and heartbreak. Travis stole my heart in the first Scoundrels story, Black Jack, and I was eager to find out what keeps him separated from the rest of the world. Travis can’t bear to be touched unless he initiates it and his struggle with wanting to have Shea touching him but not being able to handle it tugged on my heartstrings. It takes a strong heroine to match a hero like Travis, and Shea definitely has a spine of steel. She’s been thrown hard knocks right and left all her life, but she doesn’t let any of it break her. She comes into her own over the course of White Knight, and it was a joy to watch her develop.
White Knight isn’t all angst, however. Mari Carr’s signature sensuality definitely heats up the tale! Between Travis’s fantasies and the erotic games he and Shea play, White Knight sizzles almost nonstop. All in all, I found White Knight to be an original, entertaining story. As someone who’s been looking forward to White Knight ever since I read Black Jack, I can safely say that Ms. Carr does not disappoint!
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
June 6, 2012
Since meeting Travis White (owner of Scoundrels and best friend of Emma and Jack) in Black Jack, I wanted to know what tragedy happened in his past that made him the way he was. When this book opens, Travis seems to have slipped into a slight depression. He feels a little envious of Emma and Jack's new found love, but he's happy for them. Before he can cave further into himself, he attention is drawn to his newest employee, the waitress Shea. What is she doing after hours in his club sleeping in the bed on stage?
Shea Landon is really down on her luck. It was sheer luck that Emma hired her on the spot. Shea doesn't have enough money to rent a motel room. She's a little desperate and decides to take a huge risk – hide in the bathroom until closing and sleep in the club. Sounds like a harmless and simple plan, only she doesn't know that her boss has his eyes everywhere. She thinks she has it made until she comes down with a cold, and Emma sends her home early. With her belongings stuck in the club along with most of her money, she's stuck out in the rain. Travis is so accustomed to his late night monitoring of Shea that he panics when he realizes she's not in the club after closing. He finally finds her in the diner across the street. He decides to get to know her a little before divulging the truth about his identity.
Shea affects him in ways he didn't think were possible in his condition. As they open up to one another, they realize they have a lot in common. Learning new things and overcoming their fears all start out as fun and games, but can two broken people find the peace they seek in one another and make it last?
Once again, Mari Carr weaves this wonderful little romantic tale by blending the kinky games in the real world with the more sensual, serious fantasy world. They had great chemistry. I loved how Shea encouraged Travis to do whatever was necessary to find closure. It made the ending that much sweeter.
January 5, 2012
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
White Knight is Mari Carr’s excellent follow up to Black Jack, and told in much the same manner. I like the way she blends historical fantasy and contemporary romance to create a rich and detailed world, where her characters are able to express their wants, needs and vent their fears as well. Her characters are well defined, and the dialog is intelligent and well crafted.
Shea Landon is a survivor. She spent her youth raising her mother, but now it is time for her to live for herself. She says she is a cliché: born in Las Vegas, with a stripper for a mom and no idea who her father was. But she is smart, strong and determined to make a new start in Los Angels. I like her strength of character, and her determination to go to college, and to better her life. And I love her fictional ‘alter ego’ created in Travis’ fantasies, and her desire to reach out for what she wants.
Travis Knight is smart, strong and a loner. He is a tortured soul, both in real life, and in his fantasy of long ago. He has secrets, things he has never told anyone, even his two closest friends, Emma and Jack. When he gets to know Shea, he recognizes in her a kindred spirit, someone who is just as wounded in her way as he is. I love Travis, and enjoyed watching as he finally finds a way to connect to another human being, and as he begins to open up, he starts to heal inside.
This is actually a very sweet romance, but it is also one of the hottest books I have ever read. That may sound like a contradiction, but once you read White Knight, you will understand what I mean. Mari Carr has managed to merge sweet and hot, and make one scorching tale of hot and kinky action that still weaves a sweet ‘first love’ tale into the mix. I recommend this to those who enjoy a bit of kink with their happy ever after, along with some very creative use of ‘toys’.
White Knight is Mari Carr’s excellent follow up to Black Jack, and told in much the same manner. I like the way she blends historical fantasy and contemporary romance to create a rich and detailed world, where her characters are able to express their wants, needs and vent their fears as well. Her characters are well defined, and the dialog is intelligent and well crafted.
Shea Landon is a survivor. She spent her youth raising her mother, but now it is time for her to live for herself. She says she is a cliché: born in Las Vegas, with a stripper for a mom and no idea who her father was. But she is smart, strong and determined to make a new start in Los Angels. I like her strength of character, and her determination to go to college, and to better her life. And I love her fictional ‘alter ego’ created in Travis’ fantasies, and her desire to reach out for what she wants.
Travis Knight is smart, strong and a loner. He is a tortured soul, both in real life, and in his fantasy of long ago. He has secrets, things he has never told anyone, even his two closest friends, Emma and Jack. When he gets to know Shea, he recognizes in her a kindred spirit, someone who is just as wounded in her way as he is. I love Travis, and enjoyed watching as he finally finds a way to connect to another human being, and as he begins to open up, he starts to heal inside.
This is actually a very sweet romance, but it is also one of the hottest books I have ever read. That may sound like a contradiction, but once you read White Knight, you will understand what I mean. Mari Carr has managed to merge sweet and hot, and make one scorching tale of hot and kinky action that still weaves a sweet ‘first love’ tale into the mix. I recommend this to those who enjoy a bit of kink with their happy ever after, along with some very creative use of ‘toys’.
February 22, 2012
Reviewed By~Ive
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher
This story starts off from the end of Black Jack with Travis Knight, part owner of Scoundrels the sex club. There are so many elements in this book that are so fabulous, saying too much might spoil it but I will try to to highlight the best points. Shea Landon escapes Las Vegas and decides to start a new life, she finds a job at Scoundrels just as her money was running out. She decides to sneak and hide inside the club and stay sleeping on the big bed on stage, what she doesn't realize her incognito ways are actually being watched by Travis. He is fascinated by her and decides to see what his sleeping angel will do next. When an expected cold has Emma sending her home early, Shea finds herself out on a rainy night without her belongings and very small amount of money in her pocket. When Travis realizes Shea is nowhere to be found, he panics and goes looking for her and find her in a diner. He tells her who he is and makes her go back tot he club and rest. What she gets is way more than what she expected.
I love how the author tells the story from the regency era and the present, transition was very smoothly between the two. Made me feel like I was reading two different stories in one without if being confusing or taking away from either story. The way Mari Carr wrote this book made me want to reach in and hug Travis so tight and never letting go. This book does have some sensitive issues which are not addressed often in romance books but Mrs. Carr does it in a way that makes you really feel for the character, not feel sorry for them. I like that after all the hurt and pain the couple were able to find their HEA in a realistic manner. Wonderful read and an awesome author...Mari Carr is an auto-buy for me and cannot wait to read more from her.
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher
This story starts off from the end of Black Jack with Travis Knight, part owner of Scoundrels the sex club. There are so many elements in this book that are so fabulous, saying too much might spoil it but I will try to to highlight the best points. Shea Landon escapes Las Vegas and decides to start a new life, she finds a job at Scoundrels just as her money was running out. She decides to sneak and hide inside the club and stay sleeping on the big bed on stage, what she doesn't realize her incognito ways are actually being watched by Travis. He is fascinated by her and decides to see what his sleeping angel will do next. When an expected cold has Emma sending her home early, Shea finds herself out on a rainy night without her belongings and very small amount of money in her pocket. When Travis realizes Shea is nowhere to be found, he panics and goes looking for her and find her in a diner. He tells her who he is and makes her go back tot he club and rest. What she gets is way more than what she expected.
I love how the author tells the story from the regency era and the present, transition was very smoothly between the two. Made me feel like I was reading two different stories in one without if being confusing or taking away from either story. The way Mari Carr wrote this book made me want to reach in and hug Travis so tight and never letting go. This book does have some sensitive issues which are not addressed often in romance books but Mrs. Carr does it in a way that makes you really feel for the character, not feel sorry for them. I like that after all the hurt and pain the couple were able to find their HEA in a realistic manner. Wonderful read and an awesome author...Mari Carr is an auto-buy for me and cannot wait to read more from her.
February 22, 2016
This story is about a man who can't stand to be touched. He sees his new waitress sneaking back into his club after hours but she's only seeking some place to sleep. There was something about her that has kept his attention since he first saw her beside her being attractive. He can see the pain in her eyes. He knows about pain. There is some heartache in here, because of how a child was abused. It's difficult for anyone to come to terms with a situation like this if you've never acknowledged it happening to you. Hopefully these two people can get through the anger and fear and see if maybe they can help each other to get past their pain. Enjoy I did.
May 26, 2012
Oh my sweet heaven. This was amazing. Ms. Carr blew me away.
I really liked how the past scenes and the current day intermingle and pick up themes in each other. Shea and Travis are such lovely characters and feel very real.
I can't think of anything that really didn't work for me--the story was incredibly hot, and I really bought the characters as real 3D people. What they did and said made sense given they were revealed to be, and it was both sweet and unbelievably hot all at the same time. SO well done!
Ms. Carr is firmly on my auto-buy list.
(8/3/11)
I really liked how the past scenes and the current day intermingle and pick up themes in each other. Shea and Travis are such lovely characters and feel very real.
I can't think of anything that really didn't work for me--the story was incredibly hot, and I really bought the characters as real 3D people. What they did and said made sense given they were revealed to be, and it was both sweet and unbelievably hot all at the same time. SO well done!
Ms. Carr is firmly on my auto-buy list.
(8/3/11)
January 12, 2016
Travis and Shea
This has a completely feel than Black Jack, the story is a little darker, it involves a personal struggle that shaped who he is now. The love story of Shea and Travis didn't feel rushed which I liked when I'm reading a novella, it felted natural.
I liked how the historical romance book again like in Black Jack mirrored the story. I really felt for Travis and what he had gone through. I also liked how things weren't dragged on, they had a problem is was resolved on a few days.
This has a completely feel than Black Jack, the story is a little darker, it involves a personal struggle that shaped who he is now. The love story of Shea and Travis didn't feel rushed which I liked when I'm reading a novella, it felted natural.
I liked how the historical romance book again like in Black Jack mirrored the story. I really felt for Travis and what he had gone through. I also liked how things weren't dragged on, they had a problem is was resolved on a few days.
October 1, 2016
4.5 stars, fairly close to 5 stars. This is my second Mari Carr book in two days. I love them!! This one was a little steamier, some kink, some traumatic childhood problems but great characters and a plausible, wonderful love story and a great historical romance woven through the modern day story. Just wonderful!
July 11, 2014
The scene before the nightmare, with the Ben Wa balls....good-ness! Needed a cool drink after that scene. Even though this book didn't make me cry happy tears (which is how a book usually gets 5 stars from me), it did make me feel...something else in the pit of my stomach that reminded me of my first love and how he used to make me feel lol.
February 1, 2012
another great story by Mari....loved this story even more than Black Jack.
June 24, 2015
Enjoyable shorter story. Simple but still worked for me!
March 30, 2015
Loved it
I loved how the books go back and forth with two stories mirroring each other in time. It is absolutely brilliant. And by the way the sex is hot hot steaming.
I loved how the books go back and forth with two stories mirroring each other in time. It is absolutely brilliant. And by the way the sex is hot hot steaming.
November 15, 2020
Mari Carr is always an awesome read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews