Confessions of a Scoundrel [Mass Market Paperback]

Karen Hawkins (Author)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Karen Hawkins was raised in Tennessee, a member of a huge extended family that included her brother and sister, an adopted sister, numerous foster siblings and various exchange students. In order to escape the chaos (and whilst hiding when it was her turn to do the dishes), she would huddle under the comforter on her bed with a flashlight and a book, a habit she still embraces to this day. For more information about Karen, or pictures of her chasing a box of donuts while training for a road race, visit her at www.karenhawkins.com or write to her at Karen Hawkins, P.O. Box 5292, Kingsport, TN 37663-5292.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (September 27, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380820803
• ISBN-13: 978-0380820801
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #194,528 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Karen Hawkins is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author of over 22 fun and lively historical romance novels and two humorous contemporary romances. When not stalking hot Australian actors, getting kicked out of West Virginia (thanks to the antics of her extended family), and adding to her considerable shoe collection, Karen spends her time warming her feet on her two rescue dogs while writing her next book. She lives in Florida and loves to hear from readers at Karen Hawkins, P.O. Box 149924, Orlando, FL 32814-9924

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 3 1/2 stars - Who's the scoundrel here - Verena?, June 13, 2003

By 

baltimore0502 "Hon!" (BALTIMORE, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Confessions of a Scoundrel (Mass Market Paperback)

At the close of An Affair to Remember an unhappy Brandon St John discovers the dreaded Talisman ring in his piece of wedding cake nearly breaking a tooth! The holder of the ring is destined to meet his true love, but Brandon doesn't believe in such legends. All the same, he'll palm it off on one of his brothers if the opportunity presents itself! It seems like bad luck is all the ring has brought him when his brothers give him the unpleasant task of buying off Chase's latest paramour, worried the gold-digger will trap Chase into marriage. Family head Marcus warns Brandon that "Lady Westforth is not a milquetoast female . . . I advise you to approach her carefully". Truer words were never spoken!

Widowed Lady Verena Westforth has been relegated to the very fringe of society by her vengeful father-in-law. He never approved of her - her parents are charlatans for heaven's sake! - believes her responsible for his son's death and has done his best to ruin her reputation in polite society. And so, she exists in the demimonde supporting herself by some low-key card sharping in gaming hells. But she's no man's mistress and, unbeknownst to Brandon, has already let Chase down easy and sent him on his way. But that does not stop her from having a little fun at the overbearing Brandon's expense. Soon all of society is giggling behind his back - intolerable! And when Verena's brother is blackmailed, Brandon's friend's freedom is threatened and the solution to both is finding a list of British agents abroad, are Verena and Brandon adversaries or allies? One thing is certainly clear - they are extremely attracted to one another!

So why only 3 1/2 stars? SEMI-SPOILERS! Well, first, why would Brandon stick his neck out for a school chum who sounded more like an acquaintance? And while there's plenty of lust and even camaraderie between Brandon and Verena, I didn't feel like they were in love. No love is declared until the last chapter when he is suddenly, out of the blue, planning a wedding! And lastly, the whole blackmail scheme seemed ridiculously convoluted to me. I guess I'm being picky, but I gave An Affair to Remember 4 stars and, though I enjoyed this book, it's not as good as that one in my opinion and I just could not rate them the same. Still, all in all, an enjoyable read.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story,, June 10, 2003

By 

Cubik "unpredictablyme" (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Confessions of a Scoundrel (Mass Market Paperback)

But doesn't the St. John brothers sound a lot like those from Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series? If you don't believe me, check it out yourself: From the St John's, we have Anthony, Brandon, Chase, Devon. From the Bridgerton's, we have,Anthony, Benedict, Colin,Daphne, Eloise... See the connection? But other than this little coincidence, this book definitely deserves 5 stars.

This is the story of Brandon St. John who currently holds the St John talisman ring. It is believed that whoever possesses the ring would find his or her true love, in this case, in the form of Verena Westforth, a beautiful widow whom Brand believed, is somehow connected to a murder case.

'Confessions of a Scoundrel' has everything a good romance novel should have: A hot,handsome heroe, a heroine who is witty and intelligent, sizzling love scenes and as a bonus, a little mystery thrown in as well. This is an excellent book, and like so many of you out there, I just can't wait for Chase's story either, now that the ring is in his hands!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sexy, funny and stimulating, April 21, 2003

By 

M. Rondeau (West Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Confessions of a Scoundrel (Mass Market Paperback)

This is another book in the series begun with "The Abduction of Julia". It centers now around the St. John `talisman ring' which rumor has it that whichever St. John is in possession of the ring will find their one true love. With this novel the ring rests in the pocket of renowned scoundrel Brandon St. John who must decide if it is a blessing ... or a curse as he has yet to find a woman that holds his interest for more than two weeks!

Drawing the short straw, so to speak at the latest St. John family gathering Brandon has been assigned the task to `buy off' an undesirable demimonde from the attentions of their younger brother Chase. These St. John men, all handsome to a fault and wealthy to boot have had much experience in thwarting the attentions of marriage minded mamas and their daughters so Brandon, the handsomest of the lot, thinks that this shouldn't take him more than a few minutes time. Expecting a hard, painted, money-hungry grasping widow, the Lady Verena Westforth was definitely out of the ordinary. Lady Verena - blond lovely and indeed enticing - she would put the arrogant, pompous Brandon St. John in his place!

Along with the lovely and comical battle of the sexes, there is a mystery and a murder to solve in which Verena is smack dab in the middle. Verena has grown to enjoy her independence until this wonderfully handsome man has aroused feelings she thought long dead. Her family background and secrets could destroy her should the investigations uncover her past - but more than that she could very well lose her heart.

This was a really good story with the added excitement and mystery of a murder and hunt for a missing list. The characters are extremely well developed, intelligent, and interesting. The introduction of Verena's butler in training - Herbert - the reformed(?) pickpocket provides numerous light hearted moments and the love scenes as Brandon, that handsome devil - shows us his stuff - well he is HOT! Excellent read which I can highly recommend.