Lord of Scoundrels

Publisher's Summary

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i>They call him many names, but angelic isn't one of them.

Sebastian Ballister, the notorious Marquess of Dain, is big, bad, and dangerous to know. No respectable woman would have anything to do with the "Bane and Blight of the Ballisters", and he wants nothing to do with respectable women. He's determined to continue doing what he does best - sin and sin again - and all's going swimmingly…until the day a shop door opens and she walks in.

She's too intelligent to fall for the worst man in the world.

Jessica Trent is a determined young woman, and she's going to drag her imbecile brother off the road to ruin, no matter what it takes. If saving him - and with him her family and future - means taking on the devil himself, she won't back down. The trouble is, the devil in question is so shockingly irresistible that the person who needs saving most is Jessica herself.

©1995 Loretta Chekani (P)2014 Blackstone Audio

Witty dialogue highlights battle between the sexes

Alex Kingston (River Song from the 11th Doctor Who series) would make a great Jessica Trent, the heroine of this story. The banter between Jessica and Sebastian, Lord Dain, (large, dark, wealthy) kept me laughing throughout the night as I couldn't stop listening. This book is well served by this audio performance. Kate Reading nails Jessica. The side characters are also interesting, e.g., Genevieve, Jessica's femme fatale grandmother, and Bertie, Jessica's brother. Lord Dain is paranoid about women only wanting him for his money and has a very jaundiced opinion of all females.

If you want an intelligent plot and laugh-out-loud dialogue, give this one a try. It's one of my top five romances.

50 of 53 people found this review helpful

Thoroughly enjoyed this one

This was a great story. I really enjoy stories where the characters are drawn together despite themselves, but there isn't a tremendous amount of things to interfere with the relationship. These two are very colorful characters and very likable. If I could change one thing, it would be more storyline with the boy. It would have been fun to see how they all managed in their relationship. Kate Reading is one of my favorite narrators, but this wasn't my favorite reading of hers.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

1 SINNER + 1 SAINT = A RIVETING NON-STOP LISTEN

Lord Dain was an ugly baby, his Mother ran off when he was little, his Father hated him and all his classmates mocked him so what was he to do? He hardened his heart and, as he grew up, became cold, arrogant, selfish and only paid for sex (and lots of it) because his low self worth made him believe no-one would do it willingly unless they were after his fortune. Then he met beautiful, clever and witty Jessica and his unemotional life was about to change forever.

Jessica had journeyed to Paris determined to keep her younger Brother away from a group of degenerates led by the Lord of Scoundrels himself - Dain but it only took one long appreciative top to toe look at him to bring forth the stirrings of passion. Once introduced, they immediately started up witty banter, quick responses and intelligent conversation however, their mutual sizzling attraction and lust was hidden beneath it. There were many chance, annoying or forced meetings, where sparks flew between them, and it was at one such meeting, that their mutual longing was ignited and passion and hope blossomed. But someone's betrayal quickly quashed their feelings replacing them with wounding words, hurt, anger, doubts, misunderstandings and matters suddenly took a potentially disastrous route..... which included a shooting.

The funny, enjoyable and captivating plot was mainly character driven but it did have twists, surprises, sex, touching and oh so tender scenes and the usual flow of likeable, greedy and unpleasant secondary characters. But the main focus was on a mentally tortured and damaged Hero whose self-doubts made him physically damaged too and the feisty, strong, quick-witted, ruthless Heroine whose relentless love eventually penetrated the long-standing walls around his heart and she was rewarded with his gratitude, caring, deep undying love and a sweet HEA.

Worth a credit? This was such a beautiful and skilfully written romance that's humorous, sad, frustrating and had a likeable strong Heroine that you're desperately rooting for and a despicable, confused and misunderstood Hero that just needed a bit of understanding and a big hug from the right woman. You'll laugh, you'll cry and even sigh but hopefully you'll find it as creditworthy as I did. This is Book 3 of LC's Scoundrels series and I hope Audible will get the others soon as they will be an auto download for me.

58 of 63 people found this review helpful

AWESOME..I'm in love with this story; I want more

The only bad thing I can say about this story is I wish it were part of a series. The relationship between Jessica and Dain was so compelling because it makes sense. Nice job on character development. I love that the called each other pet names like " you little Nit-Wit" and "Clod-pole". I wish there was more.... Excellent work

27 of 29 people found this review helpful

Still Wonderful After Many Years

If you could sum up Lord of Scoundrels in three words, what would they be?

Witty, touching, exemplary

What other book might you compare Lord of Scoundrels to and why?

It's difficult to compare this romance novel with any other book because it is so much better written (the dialogue is laugh out loud funny and so much better written) than most romance novels. And comparing a romance novel to other types of novels is difficult. The strong witty heroine, Jessica, reminds me a bit of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice although I'd never compare the two books side by side. And the tormented and defensive Dain, he breaks your heart while at the same time you want to hit upside of the head.

What does Kate Reading bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Aside from Davina Porter's narrations of the Outlander series, Kate Reading is in a class by herself. She brings the book to life and her timing is impeccable. It's like watching it performed on stage. Amazing narration. Davina and Kate are now my two favorite narrators (with the exception of Colin Firth's narration of The End of the Affair and that is strictly because that man can read the obituaries or the phone book and sound wonderful)!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had read this book many years ago twice and loved it. I had forgotten, however, why I had loved it so much. Ms. Reading reminded me within 60 seconds why this romance novel is in another level of excellence than other romance novels. I laughed outloud often, especially during the first half, and found my eyes misting at other points. That's what makes this book so special. The full gambit of emotions. Not just hop in bed over and over again.

Any additional comments?

Don't hesitate to buy this audiobook. It's a delight. Both authoress and narrator are at the top of their games.

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

Best of the Best!

Where does Lord of Scoundrels rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the best audiobook I've listened to, and I've listened to hundreds! The narrator, Kate Reading reads this book with great subtlety, capturing the intelligence, wit, and emotional life of the characters. I can't wait to listen to it again and again! Hopefully, Blackstone will bring us more audio renditions of Loretta Chase's novels with this superior narrator.

18 of 20 people found this review helpful

A great experience

Would you listen to Lord of Scoundrels again? Why?

Yes - loved the book when I read it a few years ago and have been waiting for the audio version ever since. It did not disappoint. Enjoyed it soooo much.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Both Sebastian and Jessica - Sebastian for his vulnerability, Jessica for her fearlessness, and both for their intelligence, maturity and humour. But especially for their relationship.

Which character – as performed by Kate Reading – was your favorite?

Just about all of them! A very talented narrator - all voices clearly distinguishable, great accents etc.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Sebatian rescues his son, Dominic. Also Jessica's and Sebastian's first encounter in the curio shop.

Any additional comments?

Just loved it. Read it!

17 of 19 people found this review helpful

Wow...a new author added to my daily search list!

I downloaded this book because it had a 5 star rating even though there weren't many ratings yet.....and it certainly lived up to this score in both story and narration. The dialog was intelligent and very witty, almost in the style of Georgette Heyer, but with a little more bite to it. Neither the hero nor the heroine are at all typical of the HR genre, but they each had strong personalities and were a delight to listen to. There were quite a few laugh out loud moments included as well! Very well done. Apparently this book was first published in 1995 - and I had never before heard of the author - but I can perfectly understand why it has stood the test of time.

Kate Reading gave an outstanding performance yet again - she is just wonderful (she also narrates the Pink Carnation series, which is where I first heard her).

I have now added Loretta Chase to my daily search list - along with Pamela Clare, Georgette Heyer, Laura Kinsale and Diana Gabalodon. They are all automatic downloads!

This one is definitely worth your time and credit....I hope Audible brings us more from this author very soon!

38 of 44 people found this review helpful

My favorite romance is now my favorite audoibook!

Lord of Scoundrels has been one of those books, that if it were in paper I'd have read it to tatters by now. It's a constant re-read for me. Now with Kate Reading's excellent and witty narration, the story takes on even more depth of feeling and more humor, if that's possible. I loved this audiobook and recommend it highly to anyone who is a fan of this author and this story.

Now can we please have the Carsington Brother series? Pretty Please?

15 of 17 people found this review helpful

Reader is as excellent as this outstanding HR

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, the best female reader I've heard, her male characters are as convincing and natural as her female characters. Even ubiquitous readers such as Rosalyn Landor, do not compare. An exceptional reading.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a terrific, funny, touching, enjoyable story, now brought to life exceptionally well. And well worth the wait.

Have you listened to any of Kate Reading’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I will look up her other titles. She is terrific. She has the author's wit down pat.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes but it's 11 hours so had to break it up.

Any additional comments?

This is on most avid HR readers best of the best ever lists, and this recording lives up to the excellence of the story itself.

15 of 17 people found this review helpful

Great story. Wonderful narrative!

Love this book have read others and enjoyed all of them. The narration is super you always know which character is in play. Says everything!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fantastic story, adorable/not quite the usual

The main man is actually adorable & more complex the the usual. Leading lady is a strong character too & the plot is good...loved the book but did find the reading a bit harsh on my ears. The 'stupid man' voice is used too often & for every man...yes, the reader took a bit of the pleasure from the story but better than some I've heard - the Italian for instance was great. Fantastic story though...one I'd like to have read properly.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

ABSOLUTE JOY!

Where does Lord of Scoundrels rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Up there with my other favourites.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dain and Jessica, of course, as there cannot be just one favourite.

Which character – as performed by Kate Reading – was your favourite?

Again, both Dain and Jessica!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many moments moved me; when Jessica understood how Dain covered his feelings and when Dain understood how his son had suffered.

Any additional comments?

This Audio version puts the icing on the cake for me as I have read this book many times in Paperback and Kindle. I will be listening again very soon.

Kate Reading is a master narrator, although originally, I preferred a male voice when the hero is so very masculine.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful