
Series: Escape with a Scoundrel #1
Publisher: Summit Avenue Books on April 21, 2013
Genres: Historical Romance, Adult
Pages: 350
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:

A sexy pair of scoundrels run from the law--shackled together by an unbreakable iron chain.
Nicholas Brogan is an ex-pirate with years of sin branded on his soul. Samantha Delafield is a high-born lady turned devious thief. Captured by His Majesty's marshals, the two are on their way to the gallows until they stage a daring escape and run for their lives--shackled together by an iron chain that quickly proves unbreakable.
Forced to work together to survive, the outlaws find themselves locked in a battle of fierce wills and fiery passions. From a remote forest in Staffordshire to a secret hideout in London's most elegant square, they must learn to trust one another as they face old enemies, dark secrets... and discover a love more priceless than any gem they've ever stolen.
At A Glance
Loved the adventures, didn’t like the corny ending.
The Good
An ex-pirate and a lady thief are shackled together as they run for their lives from the law, a sicko uncle, and a blackmailer. Yes, it’s as fun as it sounds.
I loved Samantha and Nicolas’s misadventures together. They really hated each other in the beginning. It was bad. Sam tried to frame Nicolas for her thievery. Little wench. Nicolas planned on killing Samantha because she knew too much. Bastard. So as you can see, there was no love lost between these two for some time. But once they saved each other’s lives, a bond started to form. Can’t help that.
Sam was one hell of a spitfire though her growing love for Nicolas softened her up a bit. Nicolas was rough around the edges because of his past, but his heart grew for Sam despite his best efforts. I wasn’t sure about these two for some time but I ended up loving them together. Two runaways finding a home together.
The Bad
The ending was unrealistic for me. I like a happy ending as mush as the next gal, but this one was just too goody-goody/corny. Conflicts like these are not so easily resolved. The big drama and one of the main bad guys just fell short for me in every way by the end.
The Snuggly
There wasn’t too much smooshy-smooshy but the sexual tension was always there. The sex scenes were good but nothing special.
Final Thoughts
A good but not great historical romance. Liked the characters but not the convenient resolution. Recommend.
Quotes
But, Nicolas decided, it would be worth one bullet to be rid of the girl.
He loaded the pistol.
She inhaled sharply. “W-what are you doing now?” Her eyes searched his face. “What do you intend to–“
He flicked off the safety and stepped away from her. Two paces. His hand seemed a bit steadier now.
She looked stricken, her panic returning. “What are you going to–“
He aimed and fired before she finished the sentence. The sharp burst of noise wasn’t nearly as loud as the girl’s scream.
kindlemom1
I love a good HEA as well but I want them to be realistic to the story and not be too much sunshine and rainbows. 😉
Wonderful review Jennifer!
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, me too. It kinda sucked.
Braine
i like the antagonistic start on their relationship, but I agree with you. Romances like this should not end with a tidy bow, if anything, an open ended one would be more realistic
Considering the couple’s crazy start
Jennifer Bielman
Very true, I would have preferred an open ended one, and I hate open ended endings.
Lekeisha
I’m hesitant to read historical romances, as the covers can draw me away. I used to sneak and read them when I was in high school because my aunt and her daughter had lots of them on their shelves. I guess I need to just grab one with an ugly cover and go for it. I may get surprised. I’ll pass on this one for now.
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, It took me some time to get into historical romances. They are all similar but some are really unique and good.
Christy
Did he get her booty in the end? Har har arrrgh. I love when a couple hates each other at first.
Jennifer Bielman
OMG, so cheesy! lol
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh too bad about that ending. I love a HEA, need it, but want it to flow with the book. Still, this sounds like a good book to read when you just want something fun and light.
Jennifer Bielman
True, I still prefer a HEA. This was a very fun and light read.
Melliane
I’m not a fan of the cover and too bad for the ending but it could be nice. I like the fact that he is an ex-pirate.
Jennifer Bielman
I know it’s stupid but I like the cover. So yellow!
Anna
It sounds like the perfect match to me. hehehe
Anna from Elements of Writing
Jennifer Bielman
I loved them together!
Kristin
Ahhhh! No corny endings. LoL Gah. I like HEA too but not if they are corny. In that case, I’d be perfectly happy with a un-happily ever after. :\ This sounded promising too with the ex-pirate and thief combo. Ah well…
Jennifer Bielman
The corny ending was seriously the worst.
kimbacaffeinate
Corny endings..well boo. I dislike those and the ones that solve the problem, look like happy only to go on for another 40 pages with a new drama before once again we are happy.
Jennifer Bielman
I know, it ruined the flow of the rest of the book.
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
LOL they sound like quite the pair. Ahh on the corny ending. Ahh!
Jennifer Bielman
I seriously think a corny ending is worse than a bad/unhappy ending.
Jaclyn Canada
Sounds like a feel-good book. I love when characters don’t get along at first but find themselves together…as long as it makes sense at least!
Jennifer Bielman
It really was a feel good book. Spot on.