Scoundrel's Kiss

Medieval #2

by Carrie Lofty

When It Comes To Temptation...

Turning his back on his old life as a rogue, Gavriel de Marqueda has joined a monastic order in Spain and taken a vow of chastity. Before he becomes a monk, he must pass one final test: help a woman who has lost her way. But when he lays eyes on Ada of Keyworth, he is tempted beyond measure by her sultry beauty and dangerous curves.

Rules Are Meant To Be Broken...

Far from her home in England, Ada has been battling inner demons for more than a year. When she discovers that her only friend has abandoned her, she has no choice but to grudgingly accept Gavriel's help. But Ada is not fooled. Though Gavriel wears the robes of a monk, Ada sees that he is a virile man who looks at her with a hunger that matches her own—one that begs to be satisfied again and again.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Medieval, Medieval Romance, Fiction, Addiction

342 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 5, 2010

About the author

Two time RITA-nominated and multiple RT Reviewers' Choice-winning author Carrie Lofty has over twenty-five books to her name--or four names, to be precise. Her paranormal (as Lindsey Piper ) and historical romances from Pocket have been described as "nuanced and superbly realized" (The Chicago Tribune) and "sexy, brutal and somehow innocent" (All About Romance).

In college, Carrie lured an unsuspecting Englishman to the Midwest, where she's kept him a happy ex-pat for more than twenty years. With two teen daughters and a master’s degree specializing in the America West, Carrie is a movie buff, Civil War museum docent, online tutor, and Halloween haunted house actor.

Reviews

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok this was somewhat different, and by different I mean it was set in what now is Spain. Cool :)

I also liked the facts and tidbits she gave us, and I think this would have been even more interesting as a historical fiction novel. It made me want more facts and less romance, but that is just me.

I did not like all the what happened before thoughts, I have not read book 1, I do not need that. Ada was different for the reason that she was an opium addict. Though she kicked that habit too fast.

Gavriel was your usual kind of tortured hero, born a slave, made into a weapon. Now a monk (weird order, interesting, they could marry!)

He saves her, he takes care of her, even though he finds her a burden. She is all, FU. Oh woe me, and my past.

Then they start to fancy each other and he is all, I am a monk! And I have a past! She is all I want you. So obviously they like each other, but oh oh, drama, someone is after them. Action. I love you. The end.

Hey it was Spain (well the kingdom of..I forgot, Leon was next to it). So I enjoyed it.

[Katie(babs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ada of Keyworth escaped her life in England for the country of Toledo after a she was held captive by a most evil man who tortured her, as well as breaking all ties with her sister, who she felt betrayed her. Ada still can’t get passed the demons that plague her and even though she is a learned woman and a scholar of many languages who has found patronage an important lady, the Condesa de Valdedrona. Ada suffers daily because she has become addicted to opium. Her addiction has consumed her and helps her survive. She is about to lose everything for a drug that gives her sweet release, even if it means selling herself.

Gavriel de Marqueda is a novice monk who has joined the Order of Santiago. Through this Order, he will find absolution for his soul. Gavriel also has internal demons because of his past and the blood he feels he still has on his hands. He has taken a vow of chastity and must abstain from violence. His final test is to save an unfortunate soul and provide spiritual guidance where they will turn to the Church and redeem themselves of their wicked ways. Gavriel spots Ada, who in her opium induced haze, has been placed on an auction block as a slave to be bought and used in any way her new master seems fit. Gavriel saves her and now must break her of her addiction before all hope is lost.

Gavriel and Ada will be pushed to their limits as they travel to safety where danger surrounds them. Ada drives Gavriel to the brink, a fine line where he wants to strangle her as well as hold her close and claim her as his woman. All Ada wants is to be free, away from Gavriel, but he forces her to confront her selfishness and greed, and now she has found a new addiction, which Gavriel never sees coming because Ada longs for his touch and kindness over the drug that almost brought her to near ruin.

The beauty is in the words. That’s what I think of about Scoundrel’s Kiss. Carrie Lofty has written a courageous powerful tale that will leave you breathless. This historical romance is filled with despair, angst and such drama told in such a beautiful way that a reader cannot help but feel every emotion Gavriel and Ada go through. These two suffer incredibly and you long for them to find a small piece of happiness with one other.

Ada is an interesting type of heroine who is strong as well as stubborn but also very intelligent. She sees things with a very critical mind and even though she may seem weak and suffers, that is really not the case. She brings forth many surprises, as well as Gavriel whose life is changed the moment Ada comes into it. And even though these two insult and push each other away, those moments when they feel relief or enjoy a bit of tenderness with one another, leads to respect and an all consuming passion that in turns becomes love.

Scoundrel’s Kiss has a near epic type feel to it in an exotic land with so many twist and turns. Carrie Lofty is a masterful storyteller who kept me hooked until the very last page. This is one very much recommended romance.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Scoundrel's Kiss was an refreshing and exciting adventure set in medieval Spain (early 1200s). The time period alone makes it original for me (I don't come across too many of these) but our flawed lead couple--Gavriel and Ada--made an unusual couple in this thrilling mix of history and romance.

Gavriel, raised by his father as a slave and groomed as a puppet warrior, disguised himself as a monk. He was tortured by his inadequacies but didn't believe he deserved better. Ada, opium-addicted and selfish, fumbled her way through life with lots of regrets and bad choices. She turned out to be independent, a survivor, and a fighter. He could protect her, she could save him, and yet often their roles were reversed. Their interplay was zesty and touching--extremes for extreme people who surprisingly had much in common.

The action never let up while the underlying intrigue was just enough to make it interesting without being overly complex. Ada's and Gavriel's character development was very good; we learn of their shame, choices made, attempts of atonement, motivation, their ever-increasing attraction, and finally their love. It was a thoroughly romantic tale of redemption that pulls way ahead of others in its class. Don't miss this one--I enthusiastically recommend it with 4.5 stars.

[Danette · Rating 2 out of 5]

The year 1201. If you want a deep and depressing read then this is for you. There is no fluff. No warm fuzzies. Both the H/H are tortured. She is an opium addict. He in the monastery for his deadly sins and to escape slavery. Way too serious a read for me. I did manage to finish it though....surprisingly. If author's other books are like this then I won't be looking for any more by her.

[Natalija · Rating 3 out of 5]

All in all, this was an enjoyable book from a new to me author. The best thing I loved about it was its novelty: it's set in Medieval Spain and features one of the most original characters I have ever read about.

Bottom line, even though Middle Ages is not my usual cup of tea, I really liked this story, and I will definitely be looking into more titles by Ms. Lofty.

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

This turned into a hot mess at the end. All I wanted to read about was back in England! The hero wasn't a scoundrel....at all, he was trying to be a monk. Is it hinted at that he becomes Friar Tuck? Cause nah. I liked the heroine's addiction, that was a very fresh idea, but I didn't like the couple much. And everything conveniently connects in the end was too silly to take seriously. There was a bit of action but it wasn't written engaging enough to prolong the story. On to the next Robin Hood related book.

[Amy Mallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was really good. I thought it was a unique story, with endearing characters and a nice amount of history. It was really well written and did not rely on cliche prose to describe characters or events. A breath of fresh air.

I feel like there were a few spots that dragged a little, but for the most part, it had a lovely pace with a slow burn romance that kept me engaged.

I would absolutely recommend this book for fans of historical romance.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very high 4 stars though I admit the rating might have been lower if I did not have the audiobook. Historical fiction books are not something I ever consciously reach for and the Goodreads cover is not the cover that initially made me pick up the book.
Nonetheless I giddily lived and breathed this book for three days.

[Commy ** Sucker for romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not your usual romance, the heroine is an opium addict and the hero a damaged warrior trying to escape his past, their love was beautiful but the book was way too serious for me
When I seek out romance novels, I want butterflies and happy ever afters, not blood and gore
But overall a good read

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written with lots of history and accuracy. Wanted more spice 🤣. Great read though!!

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid historical romance. Nice pacing and nerdy details about medieval Spain. Not a romcom, lots of drama and violence. Is it an historical romance if there isn’t at least one prison cell described?

[Historical Tapestry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Castile, Iberian Peninsula, 13th century. The fights between Moors and Christians have been going on for centuries. The Convivencia is in place, having Moors, Christians and Jews living together despite their religious beliefs causing deep social differences.

Ada of Keyworth is an English woman with a talent for languages who found a place in the court of a known aristocrat in Toledo. Her troubled past led her to a opium dependance to calm her dreams. While trying to end her thirst for more drugs she finds herself under the power of a merchant. The young woman ends up in a brothel to be sold as slave to pay her debts.

Gavriel of Marquaeda is a mysterious young man about to become a monk of the Order of Santiago. While on a mission in a local brothel with his master and another novice, he notices a dazzling woman being rescued by a young warrior, Jacob. Seeing him outnumbered, he decides to help and both get to save Ada from a life of servitude. The English woman will then become his final test before joining the Order: help her with the drug addiction and keep her safe.

The main characters in this story are a little different from what we normally expect in an historical romance. Ada is independent, tough and haunted by dreams and even guilt that never let her sleep. She's not the innocent and typical damsel in distress, this woman is determined to have a career and fend for herself when needs be.

Gavriel is training to join the Order of Santiago. His warrior past weights on his shoulders and he desperately seeks redemption. When he meets Ada, his world is completely shaken. While sometimes a little overbearing, he is also resigned about his future. His past and family would never let him find his peace and built a life with Ada.

These two are a perfect match, both determined to get through the worst ordeals while fighting for what they want. But they are far from being the flawless heroes who always save the day. It's one of the reasons why they win me over.

The secondary characters are also very endearing and I truly hope to see Bridget and Jacob in Carrie Lofty's future books.

I really enjoyed the fact that the author ends up with a note discussing the historical context and explaining the changes she made to suit her story. Writing a romance during the Reconquista in the Iberian Peninsula is probably not an easy task. The era and location are not usual among historical romance or even historical fiction, and from the first pages, I was immediately swept away.

Some details like the character's names who are so often misspelled, anglicized or even stereotyped (no Juanitas here!) feel familiar to anyone who is close to this culture. My grandmother's family is originally from the region of Castile and Leon and one of the characters has her family name which is common in the area but it was nonetheless funny to find here.

The language used by the characters might seem sometimes a tad too modern, especially Ada's, but nothing that spoils the story.

Scoundrel's Kiss is the sequel of What a Scoundrel Wants which I still didn't read but I planned to do as quickly as my TBR pile will allow me. I heartily recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a good romance and history as well.

Grade: 4/5

[Malin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gavriel de Marqueda is trying to put his old life as enforcer, thug and hired killer for his ungrateful family. He's sought refuge with a monastic order, swearing vows of chastity, obedience and non-violence. He only needs to succeed in one last task to be accepted as a full member of the order. However, the test he is set might prove to make him break every one of his new vows.

Ada of Keyworth is far away from her English home. She's risking her position as translator to an influential Spanish noblewoman because of her all-consuming craving for opium. When Ada is about to be sold into slavery because of her debts, her young friend begs Gavriel and the other monastic brothers to save her. Gavriel's final task will be to wean Ada off her addiction. Ada resents him immensely, and is determined to escape his care. She also determines to ruin any chance he has of becoming a monk.

Set in 13th Century Spain during the Reconquista (the re-conquering of Spain from the Muslims), Scoundrel's Kiss has a vastly different setting from most romances out there on the market. Instead of Regency ballrooms during the Season, this book takes place mostly in the countryside and small towns of Medieaval Spain. The heroine has a genuine and debilitating addiction which she's willing to do almost anything to feed, not caring whether it affects her work, her reputation or what it does to her friends. Any time she goes without for any period of time, she has horrible nightmares and suffers dreadful withdrawal. It's a weakness and a character flaw, but Lofty makes you see that there was little she could do to avoid the addiction, having started to take the opium for pain after being held captive and tortured. It also makes her determination never to be held against her will more understandable.

Unfortunately, while the above things were good and different, I didn't really emotionally engage with the book all that much. While Ada's character was somewhat unusual, and fairly well drawn, most of the supporting characters, to a certain extent Gavriel as well, remained more like ciphers. The villains, especially, were rather cartoonish, and both their motivations and their plotting towards the end of the book caused more confusion than tension. I also thought the romance developed in a rather haphazard way. Obviously, in the beginning Gavriel fights very hard to resist Ada, who in return is determined to tempt him into sin, first out of spite and later out of genuine attraction. His decision to abandon his sworn vows comes very suddenly, and seems a bit arbitrary, frankly. So despite the interesting premise and attempts at doing something different in the genre, this book really didn't work for me, and will probably be quickly forgotten.

[Brande Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrie Lofty has truly outdone herself in her newest novel which releases tomorrow, Jan 05 ...... Scoundrel's Kiss, a must read sequel to her Zebra debut, What a Scoundrel Wants. Ada of Keyworth is addicted to opium and is about to sell herself to the highest bidder she is so desperate for her next fix. A scholarly woman from England now so desperate and dependant on the drug that all common sense has failed her. Saved at the last minute by Gavriel de Marqueda and left in his charge by her so called trusted friend Jacob she realizes that she must rely on him. Ada doesn't realize that Jacob does value her friendship and cares deeply for her and THAT is why he left her to the Order, hoping that they can help her with her addiction where he has failed.

Stunning handsome and with a warriors body, Gavriel runs of his own past and joining the Order of Santiago with only one task to accomplish by his master Pacheco to prove his loyalty. Ada. A vow of celibacy is challenged every moment in her presents and Ada has become his last test. He must resist her and his desire for her as well as help her kick her opium habit. But Ada has many of her own secrets that she has buried deep inside with the help of the powerful and addictive drug. Gavriel knows that a challenge is an understatement as the woman seduces all his senses and pulls at his oath to the order with every breath. The once powerful warrior must redeem his soul with this last task and is determined not to fail at all costs. Gavriel's secrets are chasing him down not just emotionally but now physically danger is ever more present as he parts with Pacheco and Fernan and now alone with Ada. Ada herself provides more of a danger herself, beautiful and extremely intelligent Gavriel is a constant rock and steadfast in helping her recover from her addiction. Their bond is strong but where I find humor is in how Ada is a constant reminder to Gavriel that he is very much attracted to her when he isn't thinking of ways to put them both out of their misery. Ada has refocused her attention on Gavriel as her desire for him is overwhelming and the woman will stop at nothing. He is so sweet to her and is able to trust her enough with his secrets, realizing that their pasts are tied together and their fates and future not just affects them but so many others!

With both of the characters learning how to live again with the love for each other, dealing with their own demons and gathering the strength to move forward you can't help but be meszmorized by the beautuful poetry that Carrie has created with Scoundral's kiss. The sedire and passion between Ada and Gavriel is tangable and a force they can not escape.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, let me say that I would give this book a 4 1/2 but that isn't an option here. This is only the second historical romance I have read and the first without a paranormal aspect. Surprisingly I really enjoyed it. Carrie Lofty's prose transported me right into that time and place. I really was surprised because I expected it to take some time for me to get into the book but from the first chapter to the last I was sucked in, addicted and breathless. I will be reading more books by this author. I may even look into reading more historicals thanks to this author.

Scoundrel's Kiss is a sequel to WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS, which I have not read - but this book can and does stand on it's own. I was not confused about anything and never had the feeling that I was missing any important information while reading this book.

My full review will be available soon on my blog: http://bookobssessed.wordpress.com/

FTC Disclaimer: This review is based on an e-book ARC submitted to me by the author. All of my reviews are 100% my honest opinion of the books I read regardless of where or how I received them.

[Cristina Contilli]

"Strega, drogata, sgualdrina: lui era in grado di tenerle testa in ciascuna di quelle incarnazioni, anche se a stento. Ma come le lacrime, anche l'umiltà minacciava la sua parte più profonda, quella priva di difese."

In attesa di scoprire come e quando Gabriel avrebbe ceduto alle lusinghe di Ada sono arrivata fino al termine di questo romance, ma anche se ho apprezzato l'ambientazione insolita (la Spagna del 1200) e il fatto altrettanto insolito che il protagonista sia un religioso (non un monaco però come indica il titolo dell'edizione italiana del libro, quanto un novizio che non ha ancora pronunciato i voti)ho trovato la trama in alcuni punti un po' lenta e confusa e in più il libro mi è sembrato poco erotico perché è vero che per molte pagine la povera Ada è una vera "palla al piede" col suo continuo e incontrollabile bisogno d'oppio, però il nostro protagonista ha davvero un autocontrollo notevole per due terzi del romanzo...

[Cristina Contilli]

"Strega, drogata, sgualdrina: lui era in grado di tenerle testa in ciascuna di quelle incarnazioni, anche se a stento. Ma come le lacrime, anche l'umiltà minacciava la sua parte più profonda, quella priva di difese."

In attesa di scoprire come e quando Gabriel avrebbe ceduto alle lusinghe di Ada sono arrivata fino al termine di questo romance, ma anche se ho apprezzato l'ambientazione insolita (la Spagna del 1200 e il fatto altrettanto insolito che il protagonista sia un religioso (non un monaco però come indica il titolo dell'edizione italiana del libro, quanto un novizio che non ha ancora pronunciato i voti)ho trovato la trama in alcuni punti un po' lenta e confusa e in più il libro mi è sembrato poco erotico perché è vero che per molte pagine la povera Ada è una vera "palla al piede" col suo continuo e incontrollabile bisogno d'oppio, però il nostro protagonista ha davvero un autocontrollo notevole per due terzi del romanzo...

[Erica Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual romance in an unusual setting--medieval Spain. I recently finished one of Carrie Lofty's Regency-era romances set in central Europe and so I looked into her back list. Scoundrel's Kiss is worth reading for the setting alone, which is much more than simple window-dressing. The heroine is an Englishwoman with an addiction to opium (!) and the hero is a former assassin trying to make amends for his past sins.

If you're in the mood for something different, something not set in England or the Highlands, give this medieval a try. If you like Kris Kennedy's medievals, there's a good chance you'll like Scoundrel's Kiss.

[Marcella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this series was a very good read. My only criticism of this book is that I felt there were some parts of the book that seemed to drag on.

One of the things I loved about this book is the relationship between Ada and Gavriel. They were well matched and I loved their dynamic. Another favorite character for me is Jacob. The guy is loyal and brave. I hope he gets his happy ending in the next book...if there's going to be one. He deserves one.

The characters are great and easy to like. Well done.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Carrie Lofty's books for several reasons--I like her medieval time period. I like the risks she takes with her characters and her settings. I like her dark, gothic world. I like her sinister plots and villains. All that said, I find I can't give her books five stars because they don't grab me emotionally. There is something about her writing that keeps me at arm's length. I enjoy them. I make time to read them. But, they just don't grab me. Everything else about them is perfect.

[Lynn Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I read What a Scoundrel Wants, I've been wanting to see what happened to the heroine's horrid sister, Ada. In Scoundrel's Kiss, Ada, our villain, shows a more nuanced side and gets a story of her own that features a fantastic web of plot and some of the morally intriguing characters I'm starting to expect from this author.

This is a partial review. You can find the complete one at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...

[Laine · Rating 2 out of 5]

i was sorry for ada since she is under the influence of opium and i admire gavriel for all the care and attention he gave to her. i am not a fan of this kind of story, since it has intense revenge plot and the trial that the heroine needs to face because of certain debts. what i did like is that despite the vow that gavriel took, he stood up for ada for love and not for other means.

[Mskychick · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF
This book wasn't horrible. I just couldnt get myself interested in finishing it. I got about halfway though, and then put it down for the night. After I picked up and finished 4 other books instead of finishing Scoundrel's Kiss, I decided to just throw in the towel. The story just didn't hold my interest, and I didn't like Carrie Lofty's writing style as much as in her later books.