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Lords of Scandal #21

King of Thieves

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Is the grumpy Scot really the man to save her?

Pippa Bancroft knows that trouble is circling. Between her brother’s odd behavior, the whispers of massive debts, and the old and awful man her brother keeps thrusting at her, she assumes things are very bad. But just how awful… there is only one way to find out. She’s going to have to do some good old-fashioned spying.

The problem? When she positions herself to eavesdrop, she’s not the only one! A large and ornery Scot is also listening in on her brother’s conversation. And when Laird Lockton offers her an exchange of favors to benefit them both, she’s left to wonder, can she trust this giant of a man? Is he the devil or a grumpy angel in disguise?

Laird Lockton has a life waiting for him in Scotland. Granted, that life is full of boring drudgery, the sort he never wished for himself. Which is why he decides one last adventure is in order. He’ll help his friends with an investigation into the thefts plaguing their gaming hell, secure his future, and then return to Scotland.

But he didn’t count on one pretty wallflower inserting herself into his life and his final adventure. Nor did he plan on finding her quite so irresistible. And as her own situation grows more desperate, Lockton knows he has to help. What sort of man would he be if he didn’t?

But the more time he spends with her the more he wonders…does that mean he has to lose his heart too?

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2022

125 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

Tammy Andresen

227 books1,111 followers

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5 stars
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23 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Janet.
5,197 reviews66 followers
August 8, 2022
Pippa Bancroft knows that trouble is circling. Between her brother James’ odd behaviour, the whispers of massive debts, and the old and awful man her brother keeps thrusting at her, she assumes things are very bad. When she positions herself to eavesdrop, she’s not the only one! When Laird Lockton offers her an exchange of favours to benefit them both, she’s left to wonder, can she trust this giant of a man? Angus Lockton has a life waiting for him in Scotland. Which is why he decides one last adventure is in order. He’ll help his friends with an investigation into the thefts plaguing their gaming hell, secure his future, and then return to Scotland. But he didn’t count on one pretty wallflower inserting herself into his life and his final adventure.
The twenty first book in this wonderful series, it could be read on its own. I loved both Angus & Pippa & loved their journey to a HEA from start to finish. She’s a talented artist & would rather paint than attend ton functions, he's riddled with guilt over his brother. There’s danger from the start & whilst not all is resolved the climax is approaching, so Angus has to choose between family & friends. A very entertaining read which I devoured in a sitting.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
August 6, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Lockton, the poor man has so many issues of guilt and not belonging back at home in Scotland, of being unloved.
Well, once you’ve read this book, you’ll definitely love him.

Pippa is sweet and has a character that’s so endearing and adorable, she’s protective in her own way, taking on a bad marriage to save her brother, that’s until Lockton enters the picture.

Tammy you’ve given us another hero to swoon over, just wonderful reading and writing.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,204 reviews125 followers
July 20, 2022
King of Thieves, by Tammy Andresen. Oh you are going to love this story, I did. I absolutely enjoyed all the entertainment that Pippa and Lockton characters offered in this very romantic story. I enjoyed all the characters. I feel that they offered all the whimsical excitement to the plot of the story.
There were times where I thought Lockton and Pippa were late on things, and then, I was very happy to read where Lockton was there as the protector. The plot definitely held my attention, it made the book very comfortable to read. I didn’t get lost in the background story or the romance that was brewing. The story was very easy for me to read. I thought the story had a lot of realistic moments that engaged me as the reader.
I enjoyed reading the intimacy between Lockton and Pippa. The drama wasn’t to heavy but the issues that the characters had to face were clear and important to the story. I give this story two snaps and twist. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,828 reviews137 followers
August 10, 2022
I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors over my 2500 books read since 2015 but I only have 31 that I consider my favorite authors and have read all their books in my genre. As a matter of fact, of those 31 authors, just over 1000 of their books make up the total 2500. Tammy Andresen is one of those authors.

This is my 81st book since 2017 of Tammy Andresen's. WOW, that's a lot of books :)
I enjoyed reading Pippa and Angus’ story. He seemed like such a gentle giant but awesome protector. What a sweet couple. I always hate that her books are such short reads because I always want them to go on and on.

I really love this series. Overall, quick, but really good.

I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kat Tolle.
639 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2022
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE SERES AND BOOK!!! King of Thieves by Tammy Andresen is book 21 of 22 in the Lords of Scandal series and I am holding breath for the last book in this series coming out in Oct of 2022, Marquess of Fortune. Though in a series any of these books can be read as a standalone but I am highly recommending you read all these book as they are just terrific. What I like so much about Tammy’s books is that they always keep me guessing and that each book has a different villain but still keeps the mystery going on who is the top dog that is causing all the problems and why. What I loved about King of Thieves was the romance between Lockton and Pippa. Pippa is so very sweet and Lockton is just so brawny. Who doesn’t fall in love with a Scot that is super sexy?! I found this book to be easy to read, original, had the real feel of the regency era, vivd descriptions and just a true joy to read. I am in awe of the creativity of this series and that Tammy can create so many stories. King of Thieves has a brother who has a gambling problem & is willing to sacrifice his sister instead of going to jail, a Scot who had issues with his family back in Scotland, guilt, death, an evil & cruel betrothal, wanting to be apart of society, needing protection, helping one another capture the villain, imprisonment, wanting revenge, being in danger, running to Scotland to be safe, parents who want to teach their son to be laird, not wanting to marry, not feeling good enough and learning how to love. I am very highly recommending you read this book… it was a true joy to read.

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,705 reviews22 followers
July 25, 2022
This was another wonderful addition to this series. Angus Lockton is a rough and tough Scot that will need to return to Scotland soon to learn the role of laird after his older brother was killed. But in the meantime, his focus was still gathering evidence and catching the thief or thieves who had stolen from him and his friends gaming hell.

During his investigation he met Pippa Bancroft, who is eavesdropping on her brother, Baron Bancroft, who has just promised her hand in marriage to a horrible man because her brother owes him a large gambling debt, and this is how it shall be repaid. In her shocked state of hearing this, she discovers a huge but handsome man in the bushes who is listening also, and he explains his investigation of her newly betrothed.

Lockton and Pippa form a friendship/partnership - she will listen for clues, information and he will protect her and, in the end, will have the criminal arrested and save her from the marriage. But as things get more dangerous, so does the attraction between Angus and Pippa. He decides they must go to Scotland to keep her safe, so he proposes marriage -the trip gave them a chance to get to know things about their pasts, a wedding takes place at his home in Scotland but there are more up and downs to face for them. More suspense as not all thieves have been captured, new threats face his friends in London and I cannot forget to mention Trixie, Pippa's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who is very much an entertainer, lifesaver, and lover through the entire book. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,566 reviews88 followers
August 8, 2022
Lost in her own world of art, paints, and sketches, Pippa Bancroft does not fit the bill of a proper English Miss. That does not mean that her brother cannot barter her in exchange for his extravagant debts. Only, Laird Angus Lockton knows that once their mutual enemy gets his hooks into the young baron, there will be no end to the debt he owes. Angus is surprised by Pippa's bravery and her determination to discover the truth about her brother's actions, but when her very existence is threatened, Angus takes the only way forward. This romance is a fairly quick read but is nevertheless fast-paced and exciting. It is also a standalone and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,121 reviews13 followers
August 10, 2022
Angus Lockton is making on his investigation of thievery and other shenanigans in the Den of Sins. Following and spying on one of the villains, he meets Pippa doing the same thing. He wants to catch a crook; she wants to avoid marriage to a horrible man to whom her brother is in debt. Can they work together and accomplish both goals? This is a fast-paced exciting addition to the Lords of Scandal series. It is filled to the brim with action, adventure, and danger. Angus and Pippa are great together, as a team to catch the Governor and a couple in love. An entertaining story and interesting characters, including one cute dog name Trixie. Loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
August 12, 2022
The twenty-first book in the Lords of Scandal series another great story. Pippa Bancroft and Laird Lockton's story kept me turning pages. There is suspense, drama, danger, villains, a man that does not think he deserves to be loved and the woman he comes to love with all the twists and turns they go through. I know when this series is finished I want to read them all in one sitting. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Regan.
795 reviews4 followers
August 9, 2022
Angus has a world of guilt over not returning home to Scotland to take over being laird since his older brother died. He figures he’ll do it after he catches the thief known as the Governor. What he doesn’t expect is Pippa, who the Governor is blackmailing her brother into being his bride. He wants her to help him catch the Governor, but he soon realizes that he’s going to need to protect her.
While I enjoyed this book I felt that more should have been told about what happened between the lords of the Den of Sins and the other thieves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shelly.
410 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2022
Great story about the tough Scot Angus and the woman he protects, Pippa. They are united in an unlikely effort and bond over the experience. They both are loyal to their family and the love that develops is beautiful!

I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,502 reviews91 followers
September 6, 2022
A journey to Scotland for Lockton and Pippa to get married. Enjoyable and a delight to read. 4.5☆
Profile Image for Lisa Pohlman.
206 reviews10 followers
August 10, 2022
This is book 21 in the Lords of Scandal series. It is a standalone, though all the books intertwine a bit so its nice to have read some of the other books, but you definitely don't have to to enjoy this book. This book is about Pippa Bancroft and Angus,Laird Lockton and King of Thieves. Both seem to be snooping on her brother's going ons and decide to join together to help each other. Along the way there is adventures, murders, and of course, love. I really enjoyed Pippa, such a gentle soul. Angus, what a sweetheart beneath all that big scot gruff. Another great book in this series. Loved the whole series so far.

I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.
Profile Image for Karen_Lee_Reads.
1,303 reviews46 followers
July 23, 2022
King of Thieves: Regency Romance
(Lords of Scandal Book 21)
Written by: Tammy Andresen

Is Laird Angus Lockton going to find The Governor and end the thefts at the Den of Sins? Is it almost over? Will the old and new owners be able to move on now?

Lockton is looking high and low to find the man that goes by the name The Governor and now he has some information to follow up on and if all goes well, he’s sure The Governor will be arrested and tried for his crimes, but first he needs to spy on a meeting he’s found out about. However what Lockton didn’t know was he wasn’t the only person in the park spying on the meeting between Baron James Bancroft and The Governor. Nope there is a lovely lady hiding behind a tree, listening to what the Governor is telling her brother he needs to do to get rid of his gambling debts.

Philippa Bancroft certainly didn’t want to hear what was being demanded of her brother, but what can she do? She’s a single lady in London and her brother is in charge. She accidently meets Lockton (accidently means she fainted and Lockton caught her) and after talking to each other they team up to try to catch The Governor.

They do work well together, but, just when it looks like the end of this whole theft ring it appears; Pippa is now in danger and the last thing Lockton wants is Pippa hurt in anyway…what to do?

An engagement, a trip to Scotland and a sharing of the past for both are just a few things to come.

There’s still suspense, there are new problems in London and there is a surprise at the end, which is going to have readers of this series smiling.

I loved Lockton and Pippa’s story and I was happy to see that there was a change in personality for one of the characters in this story. Yet again, author Tammy Andresen has given her readers a story that has an element of suspense, a character welcomed home and a new couple to add to our Den of Sins family. Another five star read for me!

1,603 reviews12 followers
March 3, 2023
This was an OK addition to the Lords of Scandal series, but it didn't have enough character development for me. I wanted more backstory on both Angus and Pippa. It gets 2.5 stars from me, rounded up to 3 stars.

Pippa was likable, but I didn't think she should have been willing to sacrifice her own happiness to save her brother. His problems were of his own making, and it was selfish of him to try to save himself by hurting her. I get that she loved him, but he didn't deserve her help.

Angus was likable, too, but he was so sure that his family would never forgive him for staying away so long and for not attending his brother's funeral. He was wrong about that, though, and I was glad Pippa helped him forgive himself.

Other reviewers have mentioned that this entire series has lots of historical errors, and that the couples' behavior and language often doesn't fit the rigid cultural requirements of that time period. That is true, but I don't really mind in this case -- since I am reading the series merely for entertainment. If I were looking for historical accuracy, I would read a classic author like Jane Austen.

My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
Profile Image for Deb Rohla.
79 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2022
This is Philippa Bancroft and Lord Angus Lockton's story. Pippa's brother, James is in debt from gambling and is making arrangements to marry her off to a horrible man to pay them. Pippa will do anything to avoid it including running off to Scotland with a stranger willing to help her.
Angus left home for adventure 10 years ago and hasn't returned. It's now time to return to learn how to be the Laird and he really doesn't want to. He's a wanderer who feels as though he's let his brother and father down. He also is leading an investigation into the thefts at the illegal gaming hell he's part owner of and doesn't think it's a good time to leave. He's so close to discovering who the "Governor" is and ending the thefts and danger to all those involved. He thinks Pippa is an exceptional artist and is willing to take her with him to Scotland. He also agrees to help Pippa's brother get out of the debt he's in and get him on the right track.Pippa thinks Angus is a good guy deep down and can be the leader his father wants him to be.
This story is full of romance, love, drama, danger, suspense, villains, adventure, illigal gaming hell, and so much more.
I recieved this book as a gift and this is my honest review.
1,028 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2022
engaging story with a strong , honest but slightly timid heroine and a large in charge hero.

Angus left home in Scotland at 19 for adventure and made a life for himself with investments and a gaming hell in London. He has partners and is dedicated and loyal to them. Pippa is the sister of a young Baron who did not have the best parenting. Her mother died when she was 10 and her father was distant spending time drinking and gambling. Her brothers poor judgement puts her in a difficult position and it is then that she meets Lord Lochton. He’s large and in charge and takes it upon himself to protect and rescue her. It is a sweet story and continues the series of scandalous lords. You don’t have to read all the books to understand this book but going back to the Duke of Chance and then reading all those books will help understand the situation and the characters.
769 reviews11 followers
July 23, 2022
This is another book written by a wonderful writer Tammy Andresen, it is part of a series, but you do not have to read the other books to enjoy this one. It is about Pippa, who loves the outdoors, loves to draw and is not very good at social engagements. Pippa’s brother because of gambling debt wants Pippa to marry an awful man. Angus is a Scottish Lord who is one of the owners of a gambling club. Angus meets Pippa when he is spying on the awful man Pippa might have to marry. I will tell you this was not my favorite book in this series. I just feel like something was missing, maybe I did not totally feel the connection between Angus and Pippa, but still an enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest opinion
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews131 followers
August 9, 2022
Take one beloved dog, Trixie, on a walk, go toward the bushes to overhear her brother and that disgusting man, run into a large handsome Scot and what do you get?

An exciting adventure not to be missed! Tammy does it again with another addition to this fantastic series!! Pippa needs to avoid marriage to a man her brother has picked out, which will get him out of gambling debt.

The Scot is after that man to prove he has been taking from his and his friend's gambling hell. When he meets Pippa, it seems they can help each other.. but they both get more than they thought!!

Loved it!
Profile Image for Cindy C..
1,142 reviews13 followers
September 20, 2022
Suspenseful and Gripping! I Loved It. King of Thieves will steal your breath in this rollercoaster ride that brims with tension building twist and turns, a devious villain, and with life threatening danger. Tammy Anderson has a way of weaving a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and this book was no different. I truly loved Pippa and Angus as they as they journeyed on a bumpy path before accepting their attraction for each other. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid that brings the story to life and brings this read together perfectly!
Profile Image for Avril Hemingway.
1,012 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2022
I was looking forward to this one as I loved the cover and didn't feel we had got to know Angus in previous books. As expected he was a lovely hero and Pippa was a more soft person than some of the other Lord's loves and just wanted to be safe and taken care of. My biggest complaint was it was just too short more like a novella and felt a little rushed. My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Heather.
54 reviews
August 28, 2022
The plot continues to thicken around the Den of Sin. Angus has been trying to get information on "The Governor" and that leads him to Pippa, her brother James, and James' less-than-stellar idea to trade his sister for his debts. Luckily Angus is there to find another way, steal a little gold, and conveniently steal Pippa's heart in the process. I'm going to be curious to see how they continue to settle the issues that have been popping up through the series.
1,296 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2022
This book made for a great rainy day read. I loved how casually the romance between Pippa and Angus grows. Angus is dealing with so much guilt while trying to track a thief. Pippa is loosing the brother she loves to gambling while being forced to marry. These two come together so unexpectedly but they seem to fit from the start. A lovely five star read.
651 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2022
A good read

I enjoyed reading about Angus and Pippa how they met to how they fell in love. He didn't think he was worthy of her but he couldn't get her out of his head, she needed saving so he decided to get married, which they did in Scotland. I can't wait to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤
1,344 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2022
Great Story

Really enjoy how all the characters are carried from one book to another. In the writing it is almost like hearing about old friend. Angus was guilt ridden over brother and didn’t want to care for anyone else. Pippa was being forced into a marriage and for reasons he could not understand Angus felt protective of her.
Profile Image for Aj.
2,492 reviews
July 24, 2022
I enjoyed the story and romance between Pippa and Angus. I was quickly engaged with the characters and the plot. It took me on a journey that's become so familiar and beloved in the Lords of Scandal series. A pretty wallflower and Scottish Laird find their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Patricia Perez.
656 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2022
Quick and sweet

This was a fabulous read and quick. Just loved Lockton , wish that there was more adventure in this story. Can't wait for more. This author is a talented writer and I recommend all of her books.📚😍📚😍📚😍📚😍📚
1,290 reviews5 followers
October 25, 2022
A thrilling addition to the series

This is a very thrilling addition to this amazing series. The emotion, suspense and brilliant characters are a wonderful combination, which keep this steamy towards the end story really entertaining.
Profile Image for Melanie Purcell.
706 reviews6 followers
February 6, 2023
A gentle artist calms a King of Thieves

Two very different people grow together in a quiet but compelling love. A beautiful story with a decided variation from the majority of the Lords of Scandal.
233 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2022
Absolutely fantastic story loved Pippa all the way through this story.

Lockton was her perfect match, there intermit story was extremely engaging.

Highly recommend
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