Customer Reviews

The Beloved Scoundrel

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Iris Johansen has created yet another compelling romance. The characters are vivid, their emotions and desires well expressed, and their actions clearly explained (even if I didn't always agree with them). The plot is well developed and executed.

The story begins in the fictional country, Montavia, located near Russia, and continues through England and other fictional Balkan countries. It takes place during the years of the Napoleanic Wars. The heroine, Marianna Sanders, is endagered due to her knowledge of facts that could change the course of the entire war; she also has to find a way to protect her little brother. The hero, Jordan Draken, is one of several people trying to get to her to discover what she knows. He ends up being their rescuer and protector from the bad guys, who want the knowledge that Marianna has to do evil and gain more power. In the process of trying to save the world, Marianna and Jordan fall in love (the love scenes, as expected from this author, are very well done). But living happily ever after won't be easy, as they encounter obstacles toward their path to happiness. In addition to the main action, there is a very interesting subplot involving the hero's mother.

As mentioned before, the characters were well done; my only problem with the characters is their reasoning in doing some of the things they do. But overall, this was a very good book that will give readers many hours of pleasure.

I couldn't understand why some reviewers gave such low comments on this book. I LOVE Beloved Scoundrel, I've read it a millions times, and it's just as interesting as if it were the first time I read it. This book made me an Iris Johansen fan, and now I'm looking for some of her other works. It's not in anyway boring, I couldn't put this book down. Her characters were so believable, I loved Jordan his determination to avoid the heroine, but yet he's helpless but to fall in love with her, and I loved Marianna's determination and strength. She goes to all lengths to keep her family's greatest secret, even though she knows that it very well may destroy the bond she's built with Jordan. The thing I liked the most was, that despite succumbing to Jordan seduction, she never took her eye of what was important, keeping the Jedelar's secret, and keeping Alex, her only relative left safe. Jordan though a serious womanizer, and uses his experience to intimidate Marianna, he still lives by a certain code of honor. And I think it was believable the 3 year long wait, Johansen paints that image perfectly, and doesn't drag out the 3 years so you don't even notice it really except that the fact that Jordan can no longer deny his feelings for her because he can't hide behind the fact that she was too young and balancing between half-woman/half-child. Excellent twists and turns, some shockers I didn't seem coming. And it was interesting to get inside Jordan's head, and see who was the man behind all that cynicism.
I'm very picky when it comes to the books, I read or buy, and I have little patience for stupid or boring books, and this is NOT one! I have all my friends read this book, I would highly recommend to anyone who likes romance, and strong complex characters who have depth.

This novel made me an Iris Johanson fan! What I love about her works are her strong characters, particularly the heroines. Marianna is a strong, intelligent, creative young woman, who is not the victim of The Beloved Scoundrel, but the champion of the story. Her wit and her passion endear her not only to the handsome hero, but to the readers as well. Bravo, Ms. Johanson!

This was the very first historical romance book that I read and because of it I have gone on to search, find and read every other book written by Iris Johansen (not to mention about 500 other historical romance novels). She is unmatched in the field of romance. Her mystery thrillers are also wonderful but I must admit I am partial to her romance novels and hope one day she will return to the genre. This book is beyond compare and anyone who disagrees should re-read it!

Both her historical romances and her Loveswept collection are excellent. I can only recommend to readers to search out the used bookstores, websites, etc. and find Iris Johansen's books, you won't be sorry!

Definately among Iris Johansen's best novels as she captivates her reader with a mystical aura of intrique. Jordan, A.K.A. "The Duke of Diamonds" is an exquisite character refusing to be taken with the unique Marianna Sanders and her stained-glass window creations. Taken from her conquered town by the "DUKE" when she was but 16 years old, she and her younger brother are forced to England, where Jorden promises to keep them warm and safe, But not without a price... Marianna holds the key to an ancient secret, and Jorden, nor the enemy will stop at nothing to obtain it. As the tale heightens, so does the passion between the two. What follows is a deadly Journey back to her beloved fallen town when her young brother is taken by the enemy. What follows is an incredible tale of stubborness and trickery, as the final treck is made to unvail the Secret; unknowing what she may lose if she does. A recommended book for all who enjoy Iris Johansen. It is a superb story which adds a unique fantasy to it, as well as enables the reader to quickly turn the page.

I did enjoy it but not as much as her other books. You get the usual strong and possessive hero and spirited and passionate heroine. But it was not packed with exciting plot twists every other page, like her other books such as Wind Dancer. I was a little surprised that the Jordan and Marianna succumbed to their passions after 3 long years. I found that a little stretched given the intensity of how they felt towards each other. The first half of the book was a bit dull. It was unclear whether Jordan tried to seduce Marianna because of his pent up lust or was he induced by the time urgency to get the Jeledar from her and thought seductive persuasion was the way to go. It was not convincing how the Jeledar could protect Kazan from Napoleon, in the end, it was a little anti-climax. I liked the part when Jordan trailed Marianna to ther destination. That illustrated Marianna's determination, resourcefulness and courage, which earned Jordan's and his troops' admiration and love. Because before that, we only knew that Marianna was a gifted in making stained-glass, had a mind of her own, stubborn and not with a very clear objective what she wanted to do other than protecting Alex and the Jeledar. Overall, I found the plot and character development a bit under my expectation but an enjoyable read nevertheless.

I love reading the beloved scoundrel, but i couldn't understand what makes or how did Jordan feel lust for Marianna,they hardly know each other except for a few heart conversation. I thought Marianna is going to hide the Jedalar in one of the panel and never knew she's going to blow-up the tunnel. She's a very brave women and Jordan not much of a scoundrel but yet their lovemaking is wonderful and they actually have lust each other although the love comes later..its a good reading Iris.

Very disappointing. The plot had lots of potential but the thing that really bothered me was that the hero and heroine NEVER kiss. The hero eventually overwhelms the virginal heroine who is so overcome with passion that they have sex on the floor (just can't wait one more moment to get to the bed) but there is no kissing before, after, or during. The hero gives the heroine a peck on the forehead once or twice, but that's it. Where are the romantic kissing scenes that lead up to sex? They just move from not touching to the main act (something that I've started to notice happens in most of Iris Johansen's books which is why I've stopped reading them). It just seemed very cold-blooded and a little creepy to me. Also the heroine is very annoying in that she has this amazing secret that holds the key to defeating the enemy but she refuses to tell the hero even though he is honorable enough and spends most of the book fighting against their mutual enemy. She just seems to care more about her brother and the hero's friend. Some interesting plot points, but there is no romantic connection between hero and heroine.

I know women wed earlier in the 1800s, but 16 is still stretching it, and Johansen is writing for a modern audience. I'm not sure what the problem was for me - I've read plenty of romances with young heroines & significantly older men. This one just made me uncomfortable & I had to put it down.

Iris Johanson takes you away to a war torn country and then whisks you to a fabulous estate in England.Her characters seem like real people and they are unforgettable..she shows us the beauty and betrayal of love.The story centers around a forgotten art form and two men who will do anything to possess it and the secret it holds.Unforgettable love,passion and betrayal make this a book well worth reading. Ms. Johanson has shown herself to be a talented and capable author. A great read for anyone who wants to step back in time.