The Beloved Scoundrel

Author:

Iris Johansen

Published:

Bantam Books, February 1994 ; 437 pages

Subgenre:

Historical romance -- Regency

Setting:

The Balkans and England, 1809-1812

Main characters:

Jordan Draken, Duke of Cambaron, and Marianna Sanders

Sexual explicitness:

Very explicit

Keywords:

Intrigue ; family responsibility, foreign travel, stained glass windows, war

Reader rating:

Reader comments:

My roommate from college got me interested in Iris Johansen. I have yet to be disappointed. (L.W., 5-19-98) This was the first of her books I've read and I am pretty much hooked. I'd love to get a hold of some of her older books. Her writing is strong enough to allow the steamy seduction without those scenes overpowering the story. (L.T., 2-18-98) This is one of her best writings yet. The characters were fantastic and the plot was a page-turner. I have most of her books and it is to my pleasure that I have enjoyed everyone except one. The Ugly Duckling. If this is to be a romance novel than by all means accountable it should be romantic. Instead, if I were to determine the type of book it should be than I would put it with suspence because that is exactly what it is. I was very disappointed in this book and sincerely hope that she doesn't turn completely away from her old style of writing. (H.S., 4-12-97) This is one of my favorite books. I loved all her books I read. Her Midnight Warrior was the first ROMANCE novel I have ever read. Since then I was hooked. I read everything by her I can put my hands on. Unfornately I can't find any of her books before 1990. Anyone can help me on that? (L.Y., 4-8-97) I would beg boorow or kill for an Iris Johansen read! The Beloved Scoundrel is probably not her finest work, but there are so many to choose from that that's not saying much! Beloved Scoundrel is vintage Johansen, with a dark mysterious passionate hero and an impulsive strong-willled heroine...Every time I finish one of Iris Johansen's books, I'm compelled to read everything else by her I own! P.S. Even thought the Ugly Duckling hasn't been rated yet at this site, I finished it about two weeks ago, and it was really good; it looks like Johansen's moving more into a mainstream type of romantic suspense, like other Loveswept authors such as Sandra Brown or Tami Hoag. Ugly Duckling was a real page-turner! (S.M., 3-17-97) Great book! Iris Johansen does a truly wonderful job yet again! (K.D., 11-26-96) This was one of the best books I've ever read - funny, sexy, plausible and the characters were breathtaking. Thanks again, Ms. Johansen! (K.B., 11-22-96) I love the early books of Iris. The first book I ever read by her was Return to Santa Flores. I thought that book was excellent and to this day (I read the book over 8 years ago) I re-read it every so often. I also loved her two novels Wild Silver and the continuation of the story with Satin Ice. I absolutely love when authors continue with a story containing the same main characters, not introducing anyone new. To me those books were very exciting and a page turner til the very end. Her newer novels sometimes are a little strange so I prefer to stick with her earlier writing, but all in all a great storyteller. (K.J., 10-28-96) Iris Johansen's books are sooo powerful. I always feel the sparks between the two main characters. This is one of my favorites of her books. (M.B., 10-6-96) Iris Johansen is always wonderful. She is one of my very most favorite, and BS is one of her best. Her heroines are always unique, and her stories one of a kind. Equally at home at historical and contemporary. (J.A., 9-27-96) Love all of her books and this one especially!! (J.B., 9-7-96) She is one my favorite authors. Her books are great and I eagerly anticipate them. I love her characters and how the protagonists interact with each other. I couldn't put the book down until I finished reading it. Everybody I've introduced to her books loves her and can't get enough of her books! (D.K., 8-3-96) Great Book!!I have loved EVERY book since her Loveswept days. The best bar-none!! (R.R., 7-11-96) You just can't seem to go wrong with Iris Johansen. (J.D., 6-14-96) Johansen has a good, flowing style; unlike garwood and deveraux, for example, her historicals do not seem jarringly contemporary in tone. However, her content is somewhat repetitious, at least in books by her that I've read--she obviously researches a particular art or craft, like stained glass windows or silk working, and then gives that skill to her heroine, writing the same book over and over. I also dislike the fictional Balkan setting of several of her books; it's not whimsical or imaginative enough for fantasy, so why invent such a dull place? (E.P., 5-28-96) I thoroughly enjoyed this book. (P.C., 5-1-96) I love all her books. I am first in line when I know a new book will be released. (A.A., 4-25-96) Cannot get enough of Ms. Johansen. It is refreshing to read a sexy book that is exciting and thrilling even if the subject at hand is not about sex. She is funny and intellegent and this as most of her other work I could not put down until finished. I am looking forward to "Ugly Duckling". (M.Y., 4-10-96) Iris Johansen is one of the greatest author of romance novels that I like. All her stories are great and it makes one want to be the character she creates. I recommend all her books to my friends and to everybody. Two thumbs up!!! (M.D., 3-12-96) Great book! Sizzling hot! Good at presenting the need of oneself and the need of a country. (V.Y., 1-30-96) Though a good novel, this book did not really stand out in any way. (A.D., 12-29-95) I love Ms. Johansen's books and I thought that I had read most of them, but I noticed a few listed I had never seen, such as Forever Dream, Star Spangled Bride, Stong, Hot Winds, Wicked Jake Darcy and the Winter Bride. My local book store can't seem to get their hands on these books, any suggestions as to how I might find a copy in print? (R.S., 12-11-95) I enjoy Iris Johanson's books because of her strong characters. Both her male and female characters are strong and noble. Although there is an element of sexual control involved, I think it goes both ways and I think it works. (J.L., 11-18-95) I have read most of Iris Johansen's books. I enjoy her earlier Loveswepts more than I enjoy her mainstream romance novels. I usually buy all of the books written by her, some I enjoy more than I do others. (L.N., 11-9-95) Quite frankly I wish Iris, who is really a good writer, would discontinue her formula games of sexual domination between the main characters. It really wears thin after the first few books. I hate these predictable scenes. Otherwise I usually enjoy her stories. (A.K., 10-29-95) I have all of her books. They are very intense, and the chemistry is very absorbing between the characters. I wish she would add a little more humor sometimes as she did in her early Loveswepts, such as the Golden Valkyrie and the Trust Worthy Redhead. (M.B., 10-28-95) I love the way Iris portrays the hero with such a strong character. Anyless would have the hero seem wimpy. (L.J., 10-12-95) I really enjoy Iris Johansen's stories. The historical details fit seamlessly into the stories. But her heroes are usually a little too controlling for me. I continue to buy her books on the strength of her stories, but would like them even better if her heroes would lighten up. (L.O., 8-7-95) I love Iris Johansen, I have almost all of her books and I really enjoy them. I am intrigued by her love scenes and the interesting relationships between the hero and heroine. (C.B., 7-27-95) My first book by Johansen - I've other works by her due to recommendations on the Prodigy Romance Novel BB, but have not yet read them. A little disturbed by the control in sex element. (L.G., 7-23-95)

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