Scoundrel (Blade of the Rose #2) by Zoe Archer
October 5, 2010
Historical Paranormal Romance
Paperback, 320 Pages
Zebra
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “ I monkeys in hats you to.”
In Zoe Archer’s second installment of her exciting historical fantasy world, Scoundrel, we are introduced to Bennett Day-the ULTIMATE scoundrel. Bennett is a renewed cryptologist, fearless athlete and an enthusiastic seducer of women. He is currently trying to stay one step ahead of the Heirs and find a key source that could shift the balance of power through out the world. When he comes to the rescue of the beautiful widow London Harcourt in a small Greek market, he is instantly intrigued by her beauty and spirit. Bennett is not surprised to find out that London is as intelligent as she is beautiful. However, he is at a loss when its revealed that she is the daughter of the Blades greatest enemy and who is using her to locate the same source he is.
London Harcourt has always been under a man’s rule. From birth to widowhood she has been chained to the rigid expectations of her family and society. A beautiful, intelligent woman who has used deception to gain a foothold into the When her father offers her a chance to sail with him to Greece she agrees to help him hoping to bring some adventure into her dreary life. When she meets Bennett Day it’s as if her prayers were answered. Charming, seductive, and wickedly humorous London sees the beginning of a grand adventure.
And what grand adventure it is.
Ms Archer sets the tone for London’s and Bennett’s grand affair of body, soul, and eventually love among a fast paced action packed thriller. Weaving all this together with some Greek mythology makes this an exhilarating ride you won’t want to get off. I thoroughly enjoy the heroes and heroines that Ms. Archer creates. Strong, courageous, and filled with humor, these are characters that stay with you long after you have set the book down.
Watching London and Bennett maneuver through the pit falls of their burgeoning relationship was an tantalizing and seductive journey. Bennett is every woman’s dream lover. And believe you me, he’s never met a woman he didn’t love. But he never gives anything beyond the physical.
She asked. “Have you ever been in love?”
His kisses stopped. “All the time.”
She pulled back a little to look him in the eyes.”I mean, really in love.”
“The answers still yes.”
When she frowned in puzzlement he went on to explain. “I love every woman I’m with. Some of them I don’t even take to bed.”
With London he begins to experience emotions he has never had before concerning a woman. Its daunting and scary for him. But I admire how he never runs or tries to push London away in fear. London herself has never been free. Never had a choice in how she lives her life or whom she loves. With Bennett she is offered her first taste of freedom. To be who she wants and with whom. Watching her grow into her personal and sexual freedom was an enjoyable experience.
The plot itself is ripe with action and tension. The pacing is suburb and Ms. Archer does a fine job of blending the romance with thrilling adventure; producing a climatic conclusion that had me wanting to re read this story all over again. There is also a smaller secondary romance that packs a powerful punch and leaves you wanting to know more about unusual pair. I do hope we see more of them in the future.
All in all The Blade of the Rose is a series I recommend to anyone looking for a fun, adventurous, romantic fantasy set in the past that uses the mundane (magic and romance) to create a powerfully unique world you won’t want to leave.
Rating: 4/5
Recent Reviews:
Goodreads
This series includes:
Warrior
Scoundrel
Rebel – November 2, 2010
Stranger – December 7, 2010
Zoe Archer has kindly offered to giveaway a copy of Scoundrel to one lucky commenter. To enter, just leave a comment. Open to US/Canada through Thursday October 7th.
Great review Tori! Bennett does sound like a Scoundrel. lol But I'm sure he becomes a likeable character. I can't wait to read this series!
Wow, this is getting better and better Tori ;) This is going on my must-buy list!!
Bells- He is an adorable scoundrel. :)
Leontine-Yes they are.
I can't wait to read this!!! I absolutely loved Warrior and have been counting down the days for Scoundrel.
This sounds like a great book. I love the quote.
This is so my fav cover, the guy is a hottie, and the books sounds good too, lol
That was a great review. I haven't read anything by this author, but it sounds really good.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Millie- It's pure awesomesauce.
greenduckie13-Hee Hee. The quote makes since after you read book.
Blodeuedd- He IS divine…and so is book. My fav so far.
Great review! I loved Warrior and Scoundrel sounds just as great, I can't wait to read it.
myra0502@yahoo.com
I am going to need some more Blades of the Rose books after this set.
Loved your review! Now I must read this series! Thanks!
Sounds like a book I'll want to read and review.
debbie-Thank you. It's a great series.Drama,action,suspense,romance,humor, and snarkiness. You just can't go wrong with it.
Myra C- Thanks. :)
ruth-You and me both!
Melissa Ecker-Thanks. Go.Read.Now.
FredTownWard- It's really good. You won't regret.
LOL, I love is irreverence but that's what makes a scoundrel so darn attractive!
jenma76 at hotmail dot com
Sounds good, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com
Tori-Loved your review! It definitely makes me want to read the series! A friend recommended Warrior to me last week so I must get on it!
Ooh! I've heard so much about this series and would love to win!
Sarah M
Sweet! I just bought "Warrior" yesterday and have just cracked it open. Loving it so far and this review is making me eager for the next one.
–Allison
akbabcock at gmail dot com
I have the first book in this series and can't wait to read Scoundrel.
kissinoak at verizon dot net
This is a series I'm definitely checking out. It sounds fabulous!
This series sounds interesting, please count me in!
littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com
Love your review Tori! I can't wait to read this one!
Great review! Can't wait to read Bennett's story. Loved Warrior and looking forward to the rest of the series.
Great review. Can't wait to read about Bennett and London.
Warrior is the next book I'm going to read, and I can't wait to read Scoundrel as well. I think the two characters, Bennett and London sound like they're going to be a lot of fun to read about.
Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
Thank you for sharing your review and the contest. I would love to be entered.
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
Great review! I purchased Warrior over the weekend and am really looking forward to reading this series.
Sara M
sara_UFblog [at] yahoo [dot] com
This sounds like a great read. I really enjoyed your review.
sstrode@scrtc.com
This series sounds good I think I'm going to have to check these out! :)
Kelly T
kittykelly28@hotmail.com
These books sound amazing, can't wait to get my hands on them :)
june111@att.net
These books sound like so much fun!
This whole series sounds really awesome. Want. :D
abbydillon16@yahoo.com
This series keeps getting raves and I love the settings so I really want to read it. Please enter me in the giveaway.
I haven't read any of Zoe Archer's books, but several review that I've read, including yours, has bumped her books up my wishlist.
I love this scoundrel more and more.
Love the review, I've got Warrior burning a hole in my bedside table, I think I'll have to pick it up ASAP, I love a good series!
Oh, I added this series to my TBR list after the first book was reviewed. This series sounds great. Thanks for the review!
It looks like an exciting story.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
hope I'm not too late to enter!