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Sins and Scoundrels #2
Prince of Persuasion
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
An illegitimate son bent on revenge is swept up in an unexpected affair with an unexpected lady...
The gossips say his soul is as black as his cravats.
Handsome, enigmatic Duncan Kirkwood is the prince of London’s most exclusive—and wicked—gaming club. He founded his empire upon one goal: Gaining vengeance against the man who sired him and abandoned his mother.
To society, Lady Frederica Isling is a quiet, proper duke’s daughter and wallflower. No one suspects she harbors a secret desire to become a renowned novelist. She’ll go to any lengths to conduct research for her manuscript, including infiltrating Kirkwood’s notorious club disguised as her brother.
It doesn’t take long for Duncan to realize the oddly garbed stranger penning notes at his hazard table is not who she pretends to be. When he discovers her identity holds the key to the revenge he’s been waiting for, he can’t believe his good fortune. But there’s something about Lady Frederica that stirs more than his desire for retribution.
Frederica finds herself drawn to the charming Mr. Kirkwood and curious about the darker side of the world she never knew existed. She knows she should stay far away from him and his life of sin, and yet she keeps returning for more.
As Duncan and Frederica become hopelessly entangled in each other’s lives, passion blossoms. With reprisal within his grasp at last, Duncan must make the impossible choice between gaining his revenge and persuading the woman who owns his heart to take the biggest gamble of all.
Heat level: Scorching hot! Don't say you weren't warned.
An illegitimate son bent on revenge is swept up in an unexpected affair with an unexpected lady...
The gossips say his soul is as black as his cravats.
Handsome, enigmatic Duncan Kirkwood is the prince of London’s most exclusive—and wicked—gaming club. He founded his empire upon one goal: Gaining vengeance against the man who sired him and abandoned his mother.
To society, Lady Frederica Isling is a quiet, proper duke’s daughter and wallflower. No one suspects she harbors a secret desire to become a renowned novelist. She’ll go to any lengths to conduct research for her manuscript, including infiltrating Kirkwood’s notorious club disguised as her brother.
It doesn’t take long for Duncan to realize the oddly garbed stranger penning notes at his hazard table is not who she pretends to be. When he discovers her identity holds the key to the revenge he’s been waiting for, he can’t believe his good fortune. But there’s something about Lady Frederica that stirs more than his desire for retribution.
Frederica finds herself drawn to the charming Mr. Kirkwood and curious about the darker side of the world she never knew existed. She knows she should stay far away from him and his life of sin, and yet she keeps returning for more.
As Duncan and Frederica become hopelessly entangled in each other’s lives, passion blossoms. With reprisal within his grasp at last, Duncan must make the impossible choice between gaining his revenge and persuading the woman who owns his heart to take the biggest gamble of all.
Heat level: Scorching hot! Don't say you weren't warned.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2019
2204 people are currently reading
807 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Scott
121 books1,564 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
April 8, 2019
Revenge and Remorse
Wow, this book was awesome. The heroine was strong, smart and had a spine. Duncan, the hero was everything you want the hero to be until the scene where he took revenge to a heartbreaking level. I cried for the heroine and I cried for him. He was a bastard son of a Duke who discarded his lover once she was pregnant. She ended up selling herself to keep food in her son's belly. She was murdered and Duncan, just a child, found her. From then on his mission was revenge. Lady Fredricka disguised herself to get into a den of iniquity in order to gather research for her novel. I loved how they met and I liked how they fell in love. Now the road there was full of twists and turns, a speed bump or two, but the journey was worth it. I loved this book. The ending was totally wonderful. I can't wait for Morgan's book. This was a safe read, no cheating at all. His past was a little depraved but we didn't see it at least. I loved that once he saw the heroine, he was smitten. And when he called her Mine I just loved it. Except for a scene where he broke both mine and the heroines heart. He does redeem himself and the epilogue was sweet. There are a lot of sex scenes and they were pretty steamy. I read this in KU but I might by myself a copy of this for my keeper shelf. This series is not for the faint of heart and you will have to check your morals at the door until it is over. A brothel, a gambling hall and some very disgusting stuff goes on in his club and I hated that part. Just because of it. I liked that he was ashamed at one point of what he had done in the past and he does become a better man. Worth the read.
Wow, this book was awesome. The heroine was strong, smart and had a spine. Duncan, the hero was everything you want the hero to be until the scene where he took revenge to a heartbreaking level. I cried for the heroine and I cried for him. He was a bastard son of a Duke who discarded his lover once she was pregnant. She ended up selling herself to keep food in her son's belly. She was murdered and Duncan, just a child, found her. From then on his mission was revenge. Lady Fredricka disguised herself to get into a den of iniquity in order to gather research for her novel. I loved how they met and I liked how they fell in love. Now the road there was full of twists and turns, a speed bump or two, but the journey was worth it. I loved this book. The ending was totally wonderful. I can't wait for Morgan's book. This was a safe read, no cheating at all. His past was a little depraved but we didn't see it at least. I loved that once he saw the heroine, he was smitten. And when he called her Mine I just loved it. Except for a scene where he broke both mine and the heroines heart. He does redeem himself and the epilogue was sweet. There are a lot of sex scenes and they were pretty steamy. I read this in KU but I might by myself a copy of this for my keeper shelf. This series is not for the faint of heart and you will have to check your morals at the door until it is over. A brothel, a gambling hall and some very disgusting stuff goes on in his club and I hated that part. Just because of it. I liked that he was ashamed at one point of what he had done in the past and he does become a better man. Worth the read.
February 27, 2022
More like 3.5 stars!
Prince of Persuasion is my first book written by Scarlett Scott. I think this author is quite known in the HR community on Goodreads. I have seen many friends leave a high review on some of her books. I have been reading new-to-me authors this month for the reason that I want to see which authors I would most likely read a book from again because I want to broaden my book prospects/ the books I want to read because one person just can’t depend on the same five authors when in want of a good book.
I chose this one because it has two things I love most when reading historical romances: A self made man and a revenge plot. We have the hero, who is a Duke’s bastard. That bastard is the hero of the story. He is Duncan Kirkwood and of course, he makes his fortune by being the proprietor of a gaming hell. He is driven by the goal of revenge upon the man who fathered him and with good reasons too. Like any other hero who wants nothing more than retribution, his life has been depressing. He loved his mother who died at the hands of a merciless man, he had been only nine years young. And as such, with no one to support him, he did what one had to do to survive.
And who is a better match for an illegitimate self-made man than a lady of the highest status? The heroine of this book is Lady Frederica Isling. She is the daughter of a Duke. She is also betrothed to the hero’s legitimate, much more evil brother. Although a lady, she has dreams of her own, such as being a novelist. She reminded me of Sara from Kleypas’ Dreaming of You. Like that heroine, she wanted her book to be as accurate as possible which is what led her to do research and go to a gambling hell firsthand. Of course, she had to dress like a man in order to gain entrance and dress like a man she did.
One would not expect stupidity from a hero who worked his way from the slums to building an empire for himself. And thank God the hero was not stupid. He realized from the first meeting that the man he was attracted to was indeed a woman. But the heroine is naive enough to think that she had not been discovered. He let her believe that. Eventually she knew the truth and they had made a deal. This leads to their clandestine meetings…and of course, feelings ensues. But the both of them knew that a match between the two of them would be impossible. Frederica had a duty to fulfill although she did not really like the man she was betrothed to for the reason that he’s a cad. Duncan wanted Frederica too much in a way that is unhealthy especially for him since he is beneath her in all aspects and a match between them is unimaginable.
By all means, I should have loved this more than I did but I just did not. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the author’s writing abilities. Her writing style was good/ what’s usual in HRs! But this one just didn’t hit like I expected it to. The revenge plot made little sense to me, It made sense but at the same time it was a stupid thing to do when he could’ve just done that without using the heroine. I love good revenge stories but they must make sense. Also, it felt a bit too insta-lust. They were apart longer than they were together but I guess it is true that absence makes one’s heart grow fonder. I am also generally just not a fan of cross-dressing in HRs. It feels a wee bit unlikely especially for a woman of her elevated rank. I don’t believe Duncan was the only person who realized the truth. But if you think about it, everything about the book is unrealistic. The heroine was a Duke’s daughter! I cannot believe that her parents would let her marry a man like him (no hate towards the hero) but realistically speaking, no duke would want to see his daughter married to a man beneath her rank. I guess what bothered me was the fact that this was glossed over towards the end. I would have loved to see the confrontation / conversation between Duncan and her parents regarding the marriage in order to convince me. One book that shows perfectly what a realistic reaction parents would have when their daughter wants to marry a low born man is in A Scoundrel of her own by Stacy Reid wherein the heroine’s parents were so adamant of their daughter marrying the hero and in the end it was the heroine who made her choice. What I am trying to say is that at least, the part wherein they wanted permission (though they did not get it but still decided to marry, as they should.) from the parents in order to marry wasn’t glossed over. In this book, I just couldn’t quite believe the parents would’ve let it happen without some dramatic arguments. The author should have given me those dramatic chapters!
Okay but I am probably just nitpicking. Aside from what I mentioned above, the book was entertaining and kept me interested (though not totally invested especially towards the beginning! Was glad when I was hooked near the end.) I guess I couldn’t see how they fell in love, it felt more like lust! However, I could see their connection with each other and some parts made me sad such as when he looked back and she was already staring at him and his guilt literally made him physically sick. In addition, the epilogue was sweet so I liked it. I have no strong feelings towards the heroine/hero. They weren’t bad but they weren’t great either and as I have read quite a few bastard-lady couples in HR, this book offered nothing that stands out from the rest.
I think I’d still be interested to check out more of this author’s books. This review is one week late because I was too lazy to write a much more detailed review…and school is keeping me busy. I wish I could have written my thoughts like my usual ones but this is all I could come up with. Overall, it was an okay read to pass time with but it is not something that you’ll think about months later after finishing it and wishing you could read it for the first time again. But that’s just my two cents.
Some quotes:
“Duncan Kirkwood had seen her—the true Lady Frederica Isling—in a way no other man had before him. In a way, she knew instinctively, no other man would after.”
“He was greedy when it came to her. She had called him Duncan, and she was staring at him as if she longed for him every bit as much as he did her. It was an ache in his loins, a fire in his veins, like the waters of a river flowing, leading him inevitably forward.”
“From her window, she had watched him departing, inwardly pleading with him to glance her way. As if he had heard her, he had stopped and looked back. And then he had turned away, climbed into his carriage, and disappeared from her life. She had never known such a sickening sense of finality. The cold burst of grief in her breast. The sinking stone of dread.”
“Before Jacinda, I thought love was a fiction invented by fools and poets. She has changed everything.” Duncan had known such a woman, one who had left him altered. One he could not forget. One who made his heart seize in his chest whenever he thought of her. A miracle sprung from the dark. His for a fleeting moment and then gone. He stilled, the bottle halfway to his lips, as a horrible realization settled over him. He loved her. He loved Lady Frederica Isling. Bloody fucking hell.
“I know her name with the same certainty I know my own.”
Prince of Persuasion is my first book written by Scarlett Scott. I think this author is quite known in the HR community on Goodreads. I have seen many friends leave a high review on some of her books. I have been reading new-to-me authors this month for the reason that I want to see which authors I would most likely read a book from again because I want to broaden my book prospects/ the books I want to read because one person just can’t depend on the same five authors when in want of a good book.
I chose this one because it has two things I love most when reading historical romances: A self made man and a revenge plot. We have the hero, who is a Duke’s bastard. That bastard is the hero of the story. He is Duncan Kirkwood and of course, he makes his fortune by being the proprietor of a gaming hell. He is driven by the goal of revenge upon the man who fathered him and with good reasons too. Like any other hero who wants nothing more than retribution, his life has been depressing. He loved his mother who died at the hands of a merciless man, he had been only nine years young. And as such, with no one to support him, he did what one had to do to survive.
And who is a better match for an illegitimate self-made man than a lady of the highest status? The heroine of this book is Lady Frederica Isling. She is the daughter of a Duke. She is also betrothed to the hero’s legitimate, much more evil brother. Although a lady, she has dreams of her own, such as being a novelist. She reminded me of Sara from Kleypas’ Dreaming of You. Like that heroine, she wanted her book to be as accurate as possible which is what led her to do research and go to a gambling hell firsthand. Of course, she had to dress like a man in order to gain entrance and dress like a man she did.
One would not expect stupidity from a hero who worked his way from the slums to building an empire for himself. And thank God the hero was not stupid. He realized from the first meeting that the man he was attracted to was indeed a woman. But the heroine is naive enough to think that she had not been discovered. He let her believe that. Eventually she knew the truth and they had made a deal. This leads to their clandestine meetings…and of course, feelings ensues. But the both of them knew that a match between the two of them would be impossible. Frederica had a duty to fulfill although she did not really like the man she was betrothed to for the reason that he’s a cad. Duncan wanted Frederica too much in a way that is unhealthy especially for him since he is beneath her in all aspects and a match between them is unimaginable.
By all means, I should have loved this more than I did but I just did not. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the author’s writing abilities. Her writing style was good/ what’s usual in HRs! But this one just didn’t hit like I expected it to. The revenge plot made little sense to me, It made sense but at the same time it was a stupid thing to do when he could’ve just done that without using the heroine. I love good revenge stories but they must make sense. Also, it felt a bit too insta-lust. They were apart longer than they were together but I guess it is true that absence makes one’s heart grow fonder. I am also generally just not a fan of cross-dressing in HRs. It feels a wee bit unlikely especially for a woman of her elevated rank. I don’t believe Duncan was the only person who realized the truth. But if you think about it, everything about the book is unrealistic. The heroine was a Duke’s daughter! I cannot believe that her parents would let her marry a man like him (no hate towards the hero) but realistically speaking, no duke would want to see his daughter married to a man beneath her rank. I guess what bothered me was the fact that this was glossed over towards the end. I would have loved to see the confrontation / conversation between Duncan and her parents regarding the marriage in order to convince me. One book that shows perfectly what a realistic reaction parents would have when their daughter wants to marry a low born man is in A Scoundrel of her own by Stacy Reid wherein the heroine’s parents were so adamant of their daughter marrying the hero and in the end it was the heroine who made her choice. What I am trying to say is that at least, the part wherein they wanted permission (though they did not get it but still decided to marry, as they should.) from the parents in order to marry wasn’t glossed over. In this book, I just couldn’t quite believe the parents would’ve let it happen without some dramatic arguments. The author should have given me those dramatic chapters!
Okay but I am probably just nitpicking. Aside from what I mentioned above, the book was entertaining and kept me interested (though not totally invested especially towards the beginning! Was glad when I was hooked near the end.) I guess I couldn’t see how they fell in love, it felt more like lust! However, I could see their connection with each other and some parts made me sad such as when he looked back and she was already staring at him and his guilt literally made him physically sick. In addition, the epilogue was sweet so I liked it. I have no strong feelings towards the heroine/hero. They weren’t bad but they weren’t great either and as I have read quite a few bastard-lady couples in HR, this book offered nothing that stands out from the rest.
I think I’d still be interested to check out more of this author’s books. This review is one week late because I was too lazy to write a much more detailed review…and school is keeping me busy. I wish I could have written my thoughts like my usual ones but this is all I could come up with. Overall, it was an okay read to pass time with but it is not something that you’ll think about months later after finishing it and wishing you could read it for the first time again. But that’s just my two cents.
Some quotes:
“Duncan Kirkwood had seen her—the true Lady Frederica Isling—in a way no other man had before him. In a way, she knew instinctively, no other man would after.”
“He was greedy when it came to her. She had called him Duncan, and she was staring at him as if she longed for him every bit as much as he did her. It was an ache in his loins, a fire in his veins, like the waters of a river flowing, leading him inevitably forward.”
“From her window, she had watched him departing, inwardly pleading with him to glance her way. As if he had heard her, he had stopped and looked back. And then he had turned away, climbed into his carriage, and disappeared from her life. She had never known such a sickening sense of finality. The cold burst of grief in her breast. The sinking stone of dread.”
“Before Jacinda, I thought love was a fiction invented by fools and poets. She has changed everything.” Duncan had known such a woman, one who had left him altered. One he could not forget. One who made his heart seize in his chest whenever he thought of her. A miracle sprung from the dark. His for a fleeting moment and then gone. He stilled, the bottle halfway to his lips, as a horrible realization settled over him. He loved her. He loved Lady Frederica Isling. Bloody fucking hell.
“I know her name with the same certainty I know my own.”
April 10, 2021
DNF (25%)
Alright so again I thought I would love this book coz...historical romance(my all-time fav genre). And my other GR friends loved it too but I
◾wasn't feeling it.
◾ Wasn't engrossed in it.
◾ Didn't find it any interesting.
That's it... I'll go find some good book now.
P.S. : After reading some really amazing books that too back to back I had this dumb notion that I won't come across any disappointing books 🙈.
Alright so again I thought I would love this book coz...historical romance(my all-time fav genre). And my other GR friends loved it too but I
◾wasn't feeling it.
◾ Wasn't engrossed in it.
◾ Didn't find it any interesting.
That's it... I'll go find some good book now.
P.S. : After reading some really amazing books that too back to back I had this dumb notion that I won't come across any disappointing books 🙈.
March 12, 2019
I couldn't put this story down. I loved Lady Frederica Isling daughter of the Duke of Westlake. She wanted to write a novel. So for research she disguises herself as her brother Marquess of Blanden. She enters the Duke's Bastard Gaming Club to do her research.
We meet Duncan Kirkwood in book 1. Duke of Depravity. He is owner of the Duke's Bastard Gaming club on St. James street. Duncan is the illegitimate son of the Duke of Amberley. Amberley had raped an abused his mother. But refuses to own up to being Duncan's father. Duncan is traumatized when he was just 9 years old an found his mother brutally murdered by one of her costumers. She became a prostitute in order to feed her son and herself. Amberley would do nothing to help them. When Duncan approaches his father to help him get food at 9 years of age he is cruelly turned away and abandon. Duncan rises above his poverty and becomes one of the richest men in England just so he can get revenge. I really fell in love with Duncan.
Duncan and Frederica have a scorching hot romance. The sex scenes are erotic but don't start until near the middle to end of the story. There is a really good build up to the sex. Then the realization that it was not about sex but Love and Mutual Respect. Love Trumps all. But will it be enough to stop Duncan getting his revenge?
The story is well written and believable. With interesting characters. I hope we get Morgan the Marquess of Searle from bk1 story next. It would be great if he is paired with Leonora Forsythe Frederica's best friend.
We meet Duncan Kirkwood in book 1. Duke of Depravity. He is owner of the Duke's Bastard Gaming club on St. James street. Duncan is the illegitimate son of the Duke of Amberley. Amberley had raped an abused his mother. But refuses to own up to being Duncan's father. Duncan is traumatized when he was just 9 years old an found his mother brutally murdered by one of her costumers. She became a prostitute in order to feed her son and herself. Amberley would do nothing to help them. When Duncan approaches his father to help him get food at 9 years of age he is cruelly turned away and abandon. Duncan rises above his poverty and becomes one of the richest men in England just so he can get revenge. I really fell in love with Duncan.
Duncan and Frederica have a scorching hot romance. The sex scenes are erotic but don't start until near the middle to end of the story. There is a really good build up to the sex. Then the realization that it was not about sex but Love and Mutual Respect. Love Trumps all. But will it be enough to stop Duncan getting his revenge?
The story is well written and believable. With interesting characters. I hope we get Morgan the Marquess of Searle from bk1 story next. It would be great if he is paired with Leonora Forsythe Frederica's best friend.
March 4, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Excellent read
Duncan Kirkwood is the owner of a gaming hell ‘The Dukes Bastard’ and it’s his life , he’s out for revenge, against the man who is his father but who has never acknowledged him as such , he’s also the man Duncan blames for his mothers death.
Lady Frederica Isling is the daughter of a Duke and is betrothed to Duncan’s Half brother , someone she really doesn’t like and who scares her .
She’s an author and decides to dress as her brother to gain entrance to the gaming hell , for research of course.
Duncan catches her in the act and although he tries to keep his feeling hidden falls for her ,and her him .
This is so touching and emotional and a wonderful read , it’s a bit steamy but beautifully done , it’s tense , and in all a fantastic book , I adore Scarlett’s books and would recommend this one .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋💋
Excellent read
Duncan Kirkwood is the owner of a gaming hell ‘The Dukes Bastard’ and it’s his life , he’s out for revenge, against the man who is his father but who has never acknowledged him as such , he’s also the man Duncan blames for his mothers death.
Lady Frederica Isling is the daughter of a Duke and is betrothed to Duncan’s Half brother , someone she really doesn’t like and who scares her .
She’s an author and decides to dress as her brother to gain entrance to the gaming hell , for research of course.
Duncan catches her in the act and although he tries to keep his feeling hidden falls for her ,and her him .
This is so touching and emotional and a wonderful read , it’s a bit steamy but beautifully done , it’s tense , and in all a fantastic book , I adore Scarlett’s books and would recommend this one .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
November 15, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to an audiobook from my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: recently listened to book 1 of this series and wanted to read more
Mains: Duncan Kirkwood and Lady Frederica Isling – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the second in Scott’s Sins and Scoundrels series. I did read book 1 but feel this one is fine alone – the characters from book 1 do make an appearance.
Basic plot:
Frederica dresses as a man to research gaming hells, but when the owner, Duncan, discovers her, he finds her the perfect tool for his revenge.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency – 1812
- London setting
- gambling hell owning hero
- heroine dressed as a lad
- revenge – hero wants revenge against the heroine’s father
- secret identity
- author heroine
- hero has dimples
- light Hades and Persephone references
- medium to higher steam – 4 full scenes (I might have missed some)
Ages:
- I think the hero is 30, didn’t catch heroine
First line:
He noticed the fellow’s ass first.
My thoughts:
This one had a lot that I liked – the gaming hell owner and disguised as a man at the club, the bad man wanting revenge on the innocent heroine...It’s a classic that I’ve really loved before.
But there was something about this one that just felt like it was just scratching the surface for me. It might have been the narrator (Elliot Firzpatrick), but I was left wanting more depth from it. More emotions maybe?
I did like this one A LOT more than book 1 of the series!
I’m not sold on this narrator. I struggled a bit. I didn’t love him. I could probably listen again but I would prefer someone else I think. And that might have affected how much I loved this book.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 6
Average rating from me: 3.5 stars
Favorite book: Her Errant Earl
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to an audiobook from my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: recently listened to book 1 of this series and wanted to read more
Mains: Duncan Kirkwood and Lady Frederica Isling – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the second in Scott’s Sins and Scoundrels series. I did read book 1 but feel this one is fine alone – the characters from book 1 do make an appearance.
Basic plot:
Frederica dresses as a man to research gaming hells, but when the owner, Duncan, discovers her, he finds her the perfect tool for his revenge.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency – 1812
- London setting
- gambling hell owning hero
- heroine dressed as a lad
- revenge – hero wants revenge against the heroine’s father
- secret identity
- author heroine
- hero has dimples
- light Hades and Persephone references
- medium to higher steam – 4 full scenes (I might have missed some)
Ages:
- I think the hero is 30, didn’t catch heroine
First line:
He noticed the fellow’s ass first.
My thoughts:
This one had a lot that I liked – the gaming hell owner and disguised as a man at the club, the bad man wanting revenge on the innocent heroine...It’s a classic that I’ve really loved before.
But there was something about this one that just felt like it was just scratching the surface for me. It might have been the narrator (Elliot Firzpatrick), but I was left wanting more depth from it. More emotions maybe?
I did like this one A LOT more than book 1 of the series!
I’m not sold on this narrator. I struggled a bit. I didn’t love him. I could probably listen again but I would prefer someone else I think. And that might have affected how much I loved this book.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 6
Average rating from me: 3.5 stars
Favorite book: Her Errant Earl
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
April 3, 2020
Another winner for me by this author!
Loved this couple, now on to the next book...
Loved this couple, now on to the next book...
Read
August 22, 2025Dnf chapter 6. I just can’t get into it.
Want to read
May 2, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/2/2020)! 🎁
March 9, 2019
Is it because it was a revenge book that I needed more time to read it?
Revenge is with triangle love one of my least favorite trope, both deal with secrets that only bring pain and heartache.
I do liked the first part when Frederica and Duncan get to know each other, their interactions, how they play their game of cat and mouse but always respecting the other.
But even they keep secrets from another, each one planning to use the other for its own benefit.
Once the betrayal was revealed, the story takes an other turn, they begin to realize they care more than the usual for another but also the masks of the people around them fall, and it is not very pretty to see what lay behind.
I liked both main characters, sure Frederica is very naive as was alas the sheltered women in these times, but she has a goal, once outside her rank and perfectly unsuitable for a lady but she does not deter and tries to reach it.
Duncan raised himself from the gutters, building his own wealth and name but inside himself, a little boy won’t find peace until he get revenge for his mother’s treatment and death. Alas his ire against a special peer and his encounter with Lady Frederica Isling do not mix well.
At a time, he will have to make a choice, but will she be willing to give him a chance too?
I was glad it was not a too angsty read, the main problems were misconceptions and miscommunication. From the beginning, they are well for one another, each understanding the other. They will just need to see their feelings for the other endangered to get the right decisions.
A 4,5 stars rate.
Revenge is with triangle love one of my least favorite trope, both deal with secrets that only bring pain and heartache.
I do liked the first part when Frederica and Duncan get to know each other, their interactions, how they play their game of cat and mouse but always respecting the other.
But even they keep secrets from another, each one planning to use the other for its own benefit.
Once the betrayal was revealed, the story takes an other turn, they begin to realize they care more than the usual for another but also the masks of the people around them fall, and it is not very pretty to see what lay behind.
I liked both main characters, sure Frederica is very naive as was alas the sheltered women in these times, but she has a goal, once outside her rank and perfectly unsuitable for a lady but she does not deter and tries to reach it.
Duncan raised himself from the gutters, building his own wealth and name but inside himself, a little boy won’t find peace until he get revenge for his mother’s treatment and death. Alas his ire against a special peer and his encounter with Lady Frederica Isling do not mix well.
At a time, he will have to make a choice, but will she be willing to give him a chance too?
I was glad it was not a too angsty read, the main problems were misconceptions and miscommunication. From the beginning, they are well for one another, each understanding the other. They will just need to see their feelings for the other endangered to get the right decisions.
A 4,5 stars rate.
May 10, 2020
Duncan Kirkwood is the notorious owner of one of the most popular and wicked gaming hells in London, in England and the illegitimate son of a Duke. A self-made man he hungers for revenge against the father who never acknowledged him and discarded his mother with no thought to the suffering she would face.
Lady Frederica Isling is the daughter of a Duke and is betrothed to Duncan’s half-brother, a half-brother who whilst born on the right side of the blanket is a vile toad. As a writer she decides to dress as her brother in order to undertake much needed research in Duncan's gaming hell. It doesn't take Duncan long to see beneath her guise, and in her he finds a means of gaining his revenge but also a bond he never imagined - now the question is will he betray the lady for cold revenge?
The chemistry between the two simmered off the page well and had me engrossed.
When it comes to Frederica's brother I really wish he had been punched, the lack of resolution there really irked me, given what he knew and his indifference to his sister's very justified fears.
Came across this by chance on my kindle and am very glad I decided to pick it up - it was an engaging little read that I will be re-reading.
Potential Triggers:
Freebie on amazon 2nd May 2020.
Lady Frederica Isling is the daughter of a Duke and is betrothed to Duncan’s half-brother, a half-brother who whilst born on the right side of the blanket is a vile toad. As a writer she decides to dress as her brother in order to undertake much needed research in Duncan's gaming hell. It doesn't take Duncan long to see beneath her guise, and in her he finds a means of gaining his revenge but also a bond he never imagined - now the question is will he betray the lady for cold revenge?
The chemistry between the two simmered off the page well and had me engrossed.
When it comes to Frederica's brother I really wish he had been punched, the lack of resolution there really irked me, given what he knew and his indifference to his sister's very justified fears.
Came across this by chance on my kindle and am very glad I decided to pick it up - it was an engaging little read that I will be re-reading.
Potential Triggers:
Freebie on amazon 2nd May 2020.
December 21, 2022
I usually love the self-made man who worked his way upward and adores his lady wife. But Duncan Kirkwood was so obsessed with vengeance that he he built an empire on gathering salacious secrets to destroy entire families.
The heroine, Frederica was a lovely, inquisitive innocent who cross dresses as a man to gain entrance to the devil’s lair to gather research information to write a book.
Duncan immediately moved to use her in his revenge plan to destroy her father (a Duke) and was doubly determined after finding out Frederica was betrothed to his legitimate half-brother (who of course is a toad compared to the gorgeous Duncan).
I felt bad for what Duncan went through, his mother turning to prostitution when her ducal lover kicked her out and later murdered by a customer. This type childhood trauma scars a developing young mind. But Duncan wanted to burn down the world for what his father did and it took away some of his humanity. He became the cruel man his father had been.
I really wished Frederica hadn’t been so easily forgiving; Duncan needed to work harder to gain her trust. Freddy should have made Duncan crawl naked over broken glass.
The heroine, Frederica was a lovely, inquisitive innocent who cross dresses as a man to gain entrance to the devil’s lair to gather research information to write a book.
Duncan immediately moved to use her in his revenge plan to destroy her father (a Duke) and was doubly determined after finding out Frederica was betrothed to his legitimate half-brother (who of course is a toad compared to the gorgeous Duncan).
I felt bad for what Duncan went through, his mother turning to prostitution when her ducal lover kicked her out and later murdered by a customer. This type childhood trauma scars a developing young mind. But Duncan wanted to burn down the world for what his father did and it took away some of his humanity. He became the cruel man his father had been.
I really wished Frederica hadn’t been so easily forgiving; Duncan needed to work harder to gain her trust. Freddy should have made Duncan crawl naked over broken glass.
June 16, 2020
Girl in boys clothing is not a trope I enjoy. So the book was just OK for me. I rate it 3.5
July 29, 2020
The more pages I read, the more I was convinced I have already read this novel not that long time ago... Now the question is - is it the same book or just an idea that has been taken off someone else? I am only 90% sure it's the same book - the 10% is taken off as I haven't rated it before and I have been quite consistent with that in the last 2.5 years.
Regardless of the above, this novel is hot, sexy and sinfully tasteful. I really like these innocent heroines gone bad and what a better way to show it than in an establishment like the Duke's Bastard Gaming Club and a whorehouse?
This is simply too great of a story to not enjoy it even if I did read it for the second time :)
Regardless of the above, this novel is hot, sexy and sinfully tasteful. I really like these innocent heroines gone bad and what a better way to show it than in an establishment like the Duke's Bastard Gaming Club and a whorehouse?
This is simply too great of a story to not enjoy it even if I did read it for the second time :)
May 11, 2020
3.5 stars
Enjoyable and steamy: strong/feisty h vs. Dark/dangerous H.
Disguise, forbidden attraction between opposites and surrender to passion.
A perfect way to spend a few hours of relax
Enjoyable and steamy: strong/feisty h vs. Dark/dangerous H.
Disguise, forbidden attraction between opposites and surrender to passion.
A perfect way to spend a few hours of relax
April 13, 2020
Frederica is Dumb with a capital D. She has basically has tits for brains.
Duncan is a sexed-up, horny idiot who can't see past his sexual urges.
I didn't see how the H and h fell in love. Their relationship was built purely on lust. In fact, I would say 50% of the book was lust. I wanted to drop, but I forced myself to read until the end.
The story is very cliche and typical of historical romance novels. Usually, I wouldn't mind overuse of cliches and predictable plots, but this book didn't even try to deviate from them and make the story more interesting.
H abandoned his brain and was ruled completely by his lust and h was a bland Mary Sue character. The only interesting part was when H enacted his revenge and
Duncan is a sexed-up, horny idiot who can't see past his sexual urges.
I didn't see how the H and h fell in love. Their relationship was built purely on lust. In fact, I would say 50% of the book was lust. I wanted to drop, but I forced myself to read until the end.
The story is very cliche and typical of historical romance novels. Usually, I wouldn't mind overuse of cliches and predictable plots, but this book didn't even try to deviate from them and make the story more interesting.
H abandoned his brain and was ruled completely by his lust and h was a bland Mary Sue character. The only interesting part was when H enacted his revenge and
March 18, 2019
This was another great story in the Sins and Scoundrels Series!
I loved this story. Blond and gorgeous Duncab Kirkwood, the illegitimate son of a Duke onws one of Londons notorious gaming hell.
Lady Frederica is engaged to an Earl who happens to be Kirkwood's half brother.
But, before she get's married she wants to write a book. She sneaks into the gaming hell and she is immediate noticed by the handsome blond owner, Duncan Kirkwood!
Oh! I didn't want to stop reading, I loved this story so much, it wish it was longer and steamier.
Ms. Scarlett Scott is one of new Favorite Authors! I recommend all her books!
I loved this story. Blond and gorgeous Duncab Kirkwood, the illegitimate son of a Duke onws one of Londons notorious gaming hell.
Lady Frederica is engaged to an Earl who happens to be Kirkwood's half brother.
But, before she get's married she wants to write a book. She sneaks into the gaming hell and she is immediate noticed by the handsome blond owner, Duncan Kirkwood!
Oh! I didn't want to stop reading, I loved this story so much, it wish it was longer and steamier.
Ms. Scarlett Scott is one of new Favorite Authors! I recommend all her books!
March 13, 2019
........
Interesting plot line that didn't quite deliver. There was plenty of the characters inner monologue, some hot sex scenes, and last minute predictable drama. Meh.
Interesting plot line that didn't quite deliver. There was plenty of the characters inner monologue, some hot sex scenes, and last minute predictable drama. Meh.
April 22, 2019
Prince of Persuasion was a great read. Lady Frederica dresses as a man to enter The Duke's Bastard (a gentlemen's gaming room among other things) to do research for a book she is writing. Duncan Kirkwood is the owner of the establishment. The main characters were strong and had great chemistry. There was humor, mystery, emotional moments, loving moments, and sexy moments. While reading, you will be happy, upset, afraid for the characters, confused, and completely happy. Well done!
Read
January 9, 2025Sadly this one didn’t grab my attention.
August 17, 2019
Another wonderful story
Another fine read from Scarlett Scott. A story about passion and steamy romance. I could not put it down. I love the heroin within the story, because they're always brave and strong. And fall for the sexiest alpha male.
Another fine read from Scarlett Scott. A story about passion and steamy romance. I could not put it down. I love the heroin within the story, because they're always brave and strong. And fall for the sexiest alpha male.
March 23, 2019
"Enter at Your Own Risk" should be the name of Duncan Kirkwood's exclusive gaming hall. Lady Frederica Isling did just that. The problem was, she had no idea just how much she was risking! A highborn young woman who needs to write, desperately needs to make her own way, tells herself she is there as a matter of research. How can she write a story if she doesn't have all the facts? An innocent in reality, she has no clue what she has let herself in for, but she will find out sooner than expected. Her reasons are simple really - she does not want to marry period and more, not the the man of her father's choosing. The detestable Earl of Willingham. No - she could not fathom such a marriage. Now, sitting at a table in The Duke's Bastard, Kirkwoods famed den of iniquity - she begins to write notes of what's going on around her. Meanwhile, Duncan, has spotted the young, poorly garbed male and responding with a surge of lust he can't explain - other than a backside the seems out of the common for a man. When he approaches her and demands that she, the daughter of the Duke of Westlake go with him, she is momentarily befuddled. Of course he doesn't know who she is as she entered under her brothers name, The Marquess of Blanden. What now? Making up an incredible story full of holes and she knows it, she must find a way to escape his clutches. This is not going as planned! Her pleading does no good and she finds herself in his office - with a ceiling of such depraved images she can scarcely breathe. Duncan's voice, his face, everything about him screams at her in ways she could not comprehend. Now she is second guessing herself - did she want to be ruined? Yes . . no . . unsure of what she wants now. His gaze is slowly destroying her innermost thoughts. He is a well known rakehell, a spoiler of men and women yet something about him appeals to her baser self. Duncan of course, is much relieved to know that the young man is in fact a young enticing woman. And trouble if he ever saw it! Or is it? She could be his road to vengeance upon the man who had sired him then tossed his beloved mother to the wolves - one of whom had beaten her to death. Now, now he would show this innocent, troubling miss just what his establishment entails. Thinking she would be shocked, enraged perhaps even swoon, she showed none of that but kept her eye on what was happening in the private chamber. So goes the adventures of Frederica and Duncan as they slowly, achingly discover who and what they want from life. The journey is a long one fraught with lust, love and danger. Duncan has been caught in her spell and Frederica ( Freddy) no less in his. They must in their own way and together, find the way down this often frightful but loving lane. It would do no good to write further lest I give away more of the plot than I wish do do - ergo dear reader, find this book and enjoy from the first page to the last. You won't regret it.
March 8, 2019
London, 1812 "He noticed the fellow's arse first." Duncan Kirkwood could only stare as the "gentleman" in his exclusive gaming club bent over. But of course he eventually figured out it was a girl dressed as a man and it happened to be Lady Frederica Isling, daughter of a duke. What was she doing in The Duke's Bastard? She was doing research for her book, that's what! Of course he could see below her garb she was a lady and it eventually came out who she was, that is after she was exposed to some rather risque' entertainment!
A volatile attraction seemed to ignite between the two, but Freddy is an innocent. She had no idea she may be the key to Duncan's revenge plot against his real father. The man who ignores him and caused his mother's death. He didn't name his club the Duke's Bastard for nothing!
What starts out as a chance encounter (ok Freddy had been determined to get into the club) began to change into something else. Scarlett Scott always pulls me into the story and this one tugged at the emotions. Duncan was a very strong, determined man and had pulled himself up from nothing. Freddy only wanted to write stories and not marry the man her parents insisted on.
Sizzling heat, a few twists and even humor at times make this an amazing story not to be missed!! Cannot wait for the next in this series!!
A volatile attraction seemed to ignite between the two, but Freddy is an innocent. She had no idea she may be the key to Duncan's revenge plot against his real father. The man who ignores him and caused his mother's death. He didn't name his club the Duke's Bastard for nothing!
What starts out as a chance encounter (ok Freddy had been determined to get into the club) began to change into something else. Scarlett Scott always pulls me into the story and this one tugged at the emotions. Duncan was a very strong, determined man and had pulled himself up from nothing. Freddy only wanted to write stories and not marry the man her parents insisted on.
Sizzling heat, a few twists and even humor at times make this an amazing story not to be missed!! Cannot wait for the next in this series!!
April 6, 2019
I felt so many emotions......
I really liked and enjoyed the first book in this series. But the series just keeps getting better! So I could tell you like the author does in their blurb that Duncan is a bastard that runs a gaming hell and Frederica is a spinster author who is trying to infiltrate the gaming hell for more info for her book. But right now I’m going to describe how I felt reading this book.
I laughed at Frederica for trying to pull off being a lord, mixing up names, and being so naive. I loved that they fell for each other even with the circumstances surrounding them. I had my heart ripped out when Duncan followed through with his initial plan. Then I literally wept when he talked about his mother’s life and how it ended. And I cried that he laid himself bare to win her back. And of course I was elated that it ended up as a hea. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series!!
I really liked and enjoyed the first book in this series. But the series just keeps getting better! So I could tell you like the author does in their blurb that Duncan is a bastard that runs a gaming hell and Frederica is a spinster author who is trying to infiltrate the gaming hell for more info for her book. But right now I’m going to describe how I felt reading this book.
I laughed at Frederica for trying to pull off being a lord, mixing up names, and being so naive. I loved that they fell for each other even with the circumstances surrounding them. I had my heart ripped out when Duncan followed through with his initial plan. Then I literally wept when he talked about his mother’s life and how it ended. And I cried that he laid himself bare to win her back. And of course I was elated that it ended up as a hea. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series!!
March 19, 2019
Out of all the cross dressing romantic history novels I’ve read, only two female leads were able to truly pull it off and be smart about it.
First one is Millicent from Ridiculous Lovers.
Second one was Georgina from Never Judge A Lady by Her Cover.
Here in this story we have Frederica.
Frederica happens to be a complete and utter moron.
She was not the right type of female lead to be a cross dresser.
She’s too dumb. There’s no going around it.
And Duncan, well... he’s such unmemorable character.
All I remember is, he’s the guy that’s always horny.
You can tell from the very first sentence.
First one is Millicent from Ridiculous Lovers.
Second one was Georgina from Never Judge A Lady by Her Cover.
Here in this story we have Frederica.
Frederica happens to be a complete and utter moron.
She was not the right type of female lead to be a cross dresser.
She’s too dumb. There’s no going around it.
And Duncan, well... he’s such unmemorable character.
All I remember is, he’s the guy that’s always horny.
You can tell from the very first sentence.
February 28, 2020
A fab read. For me, this was more enjoyable than #1. Really got into this book. Loved the storyline, and Frederica and Duncan were so right for each other. Loved it! 5☆
July 11, 2020
A lovely read and admirable couple! 3.5 steamy stars!
September 11, 2025
Good writing as always, but too insta-lust for me. Also, I didn't feel like the heroine was brave, but rather silly. Finally, the hero didn't grovel enough.
January 9, 2023
I love finding a new-to-me author whose stories I want to devour.
I discovered Scarlett Scott through book 2 of Sins and Scoundrels and immediately bought and read book 3 (a rare course of action for me). While it's nice to read a series in order, the books in this series can be read out of order and still make sense.
The hero is such an anti-hero in the eyes of Society. Duncan Kirkwood is the wealthy self-made owner of the notorious gaming hell, The Duke's Bastard, which is precisely what Duncan is. Bent on revenge for his mother's death in the rookeries, he is delighted when Lady Frederica, disguised as her brother, invades his club, accidentally providing him with the means to achieve his goal. But the best laid plans never allowed for falling in love with a bluestocking authoress with a lively curiosity for the inner workings of his club.
I thoroughly enjoyed Duncan and Frederica's story, and recommend it, particularly if you enjoy your Regency with a bit of steam and a non-aristocratic hero.
I discovered Scarlett Scott through book 2 of Sins and Scoundrels and immediately bought and read book 3 (a rare course of action for me). While it's nice to read a series in order, the books in this series can be read out of order and still make sense.
The hero is such an anti-hero in the eyes of Society. Duncan Kirkwood is the wealthy self-made owner of the notorious gaming hell, The Duke's Bastard, which is precisely what Duncan is. Bent on revenge for his mother's death in the rookeries, he is delighted when Lady Frederica, disguised as her brother, invades his club, accidentally providing him with the means to achieve his goal. But the best laid plans never allowed for falling in love with a bluestocking authoress with a lively curiosity for the inner workings of his club.
I thoroughly enjoyed Duncan and Frederica's story, and recommend it, particularly if you enjoy your Regency with a bit of steam and a non-aristocratic hero.
February 11, 2024
Lack deep connection and felt rushed
The problem with trying to modernize historical romances is the lack of depth. She cannot just be a lady she has to be a writer. However, she never met an editor to review her work or published anything yet the reader must believe she will be a success. Then we have the two protagonists meet and they instantly love each other or lust. There was little plot of them getting to know each other and I would love if Fredrica published some short stories anonymously to give herself some credibility. I couldn’t stand the fake disguise that only the male protagonist could see through. Also, I still don’t understand why he called her brother on her. I enjoyed the first book of the series better.
The problem with trying to modernize historical romances is the lack of depth. She cannot just be a lady she has to be a writer. However, she never met an editor to review her work or published anything yet the reader must believe she will be a success. Then we have the two protagonists meet and they instantly love each other or lust. There was little plot of them getting to know each other and I would love if Fredrica published some short stories anonymously to give herself some credibility. I couldn’t stand the fake disguise that only the male protagonist could see through. Also, I still don’t understand why he called her brother on her. I enjoyed the first book of the series better.
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