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Knave of Hearts Series #2
Captive Scoundrel
CAPTIVE SCOUNDREL, (Lady Faith, the uncut version) Knave of Hearts, Two of Four
A carriage sent over a cliff, a greedy brother and an unfaithful wife leave Justin Devereux, Duke of Ainsley, more dead than alive. Faith Wickham, the woman hired to nurse him—as much a captive as her patient. Meanwhile, locked in a coma, Justin calls from his tormented dreams ... and an angel answers with her heart.
A carriage sent over a cliff, a greedy brother and an unfaithful wife leave Justin Devereux, Duke of Ainsley, more dead than alive. Faith Wickham, the woman hired to nurse him—as much a captive as her patient. Meanwhile, locked in a coma, Justin calls from his tormented dreams ... and an angel answers with her heart.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1999
19 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Annette Blair
43 books1,006 followersAnnette Blair's romantic comedies owe their beginnings to a root canal and a reluctant trip to Salem Massachusetts. Though she had once proclaimed she'd never write a contemporary, she stumbled into the serendipitous role of Accidental Witch Writer on that trip. Funny how she managed to eat her words even with an aching jaw. Magic or destiny; Annette's Bewitching Romantic Comedies became her first National Bestsellers.
Her August '07 release, SEX AND THE PSYCHIC WITCH, the first in her Triplet Witch Trilogy, hit the #1 bestselling spot for contemporary romance-humorous on Barnes & Noble. It also hit B & N's overall bestseller lists for mass market and fiction mass market and #7 for romance mass market, topping Nielsen BookScan and Borders Bestseller lists as well.
Her August '07 release, SEX AND THE PSYCHIC WITCH, the first in her Triplet Witch Trilogy, hit the #1 bestselling spot for contemporary romance-humorous on Barnes & Noble. It also hit B & N's overall bestseller lists for mass market and fiction mass market and #7 for romance mass market, topping Nielsen BookScan and Borders Bestseller lists as well.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 16, 2015
Historic Romance Not worth the money!
Awkward and uncomfortable are the best words to describe this story, nothing felt right about it. And this was supposed to be funny, another disappointment. There was only one humorous line in the whole book, appearing out of nowhere in a angst filled moment, definitely not my idea of a fun book.
We are jolted back and forth between Justin's despair over his daughter's death and his single-minded seduction of his nurse, Faith. All while Faith could easily have brought little Beth in see her father, proving she was alive and well.
Then we have Justin's ping-pong emotional swings between thinking Faith is an angel vs. treating her rudely since all women are deceptive and can't be trusted.
The book flips points of view without warning, and flips between dreams and reality with the same callous disregard for signposts, making for a confusing read. Then, to top it all off, Justin's delirious cries over his daughter's (supposed) death are continually called demonic. I think Ms. Blair is confused, since when did grief become demonic?
All in all, I'm very sorry to have purchased the book. I don't buy many books, mostly I sit around on the library's wait list, so I'm not a happy camper over this one at $4.99.
A shame, I am now at two and two with Ms. Blair's novels, two I loved and two that were amateurish.
I believe the book is clean in terms of language, to the best of my recollection, but it is not clean in terms of intimacy, and the scenes crop up so often and with such artless transitions that they are not easily skipped.
Awkward and uncomfortable are the best words to describe this story, nothing felt right about it. And this was supposed to be funny, another disappointment. There was only one humorous line in the whole book, appearing out of nowhere in a angst filled moment, definitely not my idea of a fun book.
We are jolted back and forth between Justin's despair over his daughter's death and his single-minded seduction of his nurse, Faith. All while Faith could easily have brought little Beth in see her father, proving she was alive and well.
Then we have Justin's ping-pong emotional swings between thinking Faith is an angel vs. treating her rudely since all women are deceptive and can't be trusted.
The book flips points of view without warning, and flips between dreams and reality with the same callous disregard for signposts, making for a confusing read. Then, to top it all off, Justin's delirious cries over his daughter's (supposed) death are continually called demonic. I think Ms. Blair is confused, since when did grief become demonic?
All in all, I'm very sorry to have purchased the book. I don't buy many books, mostly I sit around on the library's wait list, so I'm not a happy camper over this one at $4.99.
A shame, I am now at two and two with Ms. Blair's novels, two I loved and two that were amateurish.
I believe the book is clean in terms of language, to the best of my recollection, but it is not clean in terms of intimacy, and the scenes crop up so often and with such artless transitions that they are not easily skipped.
October 27, 2019
Ok, so each book in this series is a bit of a roller coaster in quality. The saving issues for all of them are a strong, interesting beginning and premise--and particularly very likeable characters. Usually the book is 80% strong to beyond the midway point. Then it almost seems as if the author loses interest and wants to just get the story over. Despite my eye rolling, I've read them to conclusion just to see the characters I like have a happy ending... even though it's usually abrupt (see earlier comment about author being bored with story or maybe it's agent breathing down her neck). I plan to read the last book in this series. But I doubt I'll read this author again.
July 8, 2017
Annnette Blair hits another Grand Slam
What a ride! Blair gives everything you could want in a fast paced mystery, romance. A Scoundrel unable to trust finds love and life in a sweet and naive young woman. Their story has you experiencing every emotion, at times you find yourself holding your breath and have to remind yourself it's a book. The characters are described so well they come alive and take you along with them.
Once I started reading this book I didn't want to put it down.
What a ride! Blair gives everything you could want in a fast paced mystery, romance. A Scoundrel unable to trust finds love and life in a sweet and naive young woman. Their story has you experiencing every emotion, at times you find yourself holding your breath and have to remind yourself it's a book. The characters are described so well they come alive and take you along with them.
Once I started reading this book I didn't want to put it down.
September 12, 2023
Annette Blair writes with humor, passion and depth. Faith and Justin are likable and realistic. This book has everything suspenseful plots and of course PASSION without going overboard. I can’t wait to read the final Scoundrel book. R. K. Hanson
February 6, 2019
A happy ending - not a cliffhanger.
A sad beginning true but the was some physical comedy. This could be read as a stand-alone. Nice marriage "how to" book.
A sad beginning true but the was some physical comedy. This could be read as a stand-alone. Nice marriage "how to" book.
October 12, 2020
MR
The first half was good but as the book went on it got a little unbelievable at times for me sorry
The first half was good but as the book went on it got a little unbelievable at times for me sorry
March 14, 2015
Justin Devereux, The Duke of Ainsley, has to deal with cheating wife and greedy brother. When Justin believes his daughter trapped in carriage he's desperate to save her. Justin sustains injuries to his body and spirit. Vincent Devereux doesn't want to alienate Justin's powerful scoundrel friends sets about to hire a nurse by the name of Faith Wickham. Faith finds both Justin and his daughter Beth in dire need of female touch. Faith is ordered to give Justin a medicine twice daily without fail or risk Justin's death. Faith discovers that the medicine isn't good for Justin and ceases giving it to him with powerful results. Justin has far to go in his healing journey and it's a secret with dire consequences for all involved. As Justin improves he clearly believes his daughter Beth to be dead. When Faith proves this notion wrong Justin is relieved. Why does Vincent want Justin dead? Can Faith help Beth and Justin heal? Will Faith admit her feelings for Justin? Your answers await you in Captive Scoundrel.
This series much like Rogues Club has captured my attention. Faith truly inspires miracles for those she loves. Justin's plight is fraught with danger at every turn. Ms. Blair's writing and characters capture the mind and spirit. I look forward to my next adventure in this series.
This series much like Rogues Club has captured my attention. Faith truly inspires miracles for those she loves. Justin's plight is fraught with danger at every turn. Ms. Blair's writing and characters capture the mind and spirit. I look forward to my next adventure in this series.
July 29, 2012
All three of these "Scoundrel" books have been a delight to read. Tragedy meets comedy, intrigue runs into mayhem and chaos reigns! I look forward to the next book and applaud the author for creating such enticing, glorious, stories about the crazy nature of love played out by characters, male and female, who are both strong and fragile. I know I've used too many adjectives but these books lend themselves to so many emotions. I love a good "happily ever after" story and these are the wonderfully adult without the over the top vulgarity of those stories.
May 24, 2015
Justin and Faith. He's trying to recover after a carriage accident and Faith is hired to take care of him. The problem is, his brother Vincent doesn't want him to recover! I loved both of the characters. My only complaint was it sometimes switched from his point of view to hers so quickly I had to reread a section to figure out what was going on. Justin was a wonderful man, and Faith was strong without being irritating. So, rather than doing housework, I just bought the next book in the series!
December 15, 2016
This story has such a surprising and different type of plot. Sheer brilliance on behalf of this author, but then we are talking about Annette Blair and she has the gift of the gab.
It's smooth, it's quick, it's full of funny episodes and intrigue and a bit of loving and a plot with so many twists in the tale that it amazed me. Oh, and did I mention that there is an evil villain too.
This book is a must read for all lovers of excellent historical romantic mystery novels. Do yourself a favor and read it!
It's smooth, it's quick, it's full of funny episodes and intrigue and a bit of loving and a plot with so many twists in the tale that it amazed me. Oh, and did I mention that there is an evil villain too.
This book is a must read for all lovers of excellent historical romantic mystery novels. Do yourself a favor and read it!
March 1, 2013
This is the second in Annette Blair's Scoundrel series and it does not disappoint! This is the story of Justin and Faith. When Justin is injured in a "carriage accident" Faith is hired but his brother to take care of him. With Faith's help and to Vincent's dismay, Justin starts to recover.
Justin has serious trust issues, but can he overcome his issues, admit that he truly loves and trusts Faith in time to save the both of them before they lose everything, including their lives?p
Justin has serious trust issues, but can he overcome his issues, admit that he truly loves and trusts Faith in time to save the both of them before they lose everything, including their lives?p
August 13, 2012
This book kept me on the edge of my seat (so to speak). The ending wasn't obvious and I really enjoyed the darkness of the characters.
It's nice to find a series where the first two books don't follow the same formula. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series to see where the author takes the characters.
It's nice to find a series where the first two books don't follow the same formula. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series to see where the author takes the characters.
February 8, 2013
Disapointed! I bought it because I really liked the first book in the series.
Was expecting humor as the first one had. The only time that I thought a bit funny was when Harris fainted when he saw Justin.
The story was pretty good anyway. But if I knew I wouldn't of bought the entire series.Well lets see what #3 as up it sleeves.
Was expecting humor as the first one had. The only time that I thought a bit funny was when Harris fainted when he saw Justin.
The story was pretty good anyway. But if I knew I wouldn't of bought the entire series.Well lets see what #3 as up it sleeves.
April 18, 2013
I am so pleased I discovered this series and especially this author!
Captive Scoundrel has held me captive all day - I started this morning and read non-stop until I finished it. What an excellent series! I loved every aspect of this book, the adventure, the romance, the surprises, everything! This book has it all and I can't recommend it highly enough.
Captive Scoundrel has held me captive all day - I started this morning and read non-stop until I finished it. What an excellent series! I loved every aspect of this book, the adventure, the romance, the surprises, everything! This book has it all and I can't recommend it highly enough.
March 1, 2014
Nicely done entry in the Knave of Hearts series. Justin and Faith's story had mystery, romance and suspense. Ms. Blair continued the theme of trust being all important in a relationship. Can't wait to read more about this group of school friends.
July 15, 2012
This was by far the best book in the series. Loved both the characters and the story.
January 3, 2013
Love it! It make me purl. I've added a new word to my vocabulary, thanks to Annette Blair. My eyes instantly lock on it now when I'm reading one of her novels. It's 'purled'.
February 17, 2013
I really have enjoyed the Scoundrel series. Faith and Justin's story was well told. There was mystery, intrigue and romance. What more could you ask for?!
September 30, 2017
A wonderfully written story about betrayal, heartbreak, greed, passion, trust, and a healing love. A great read!
May 22, 2013
Loved the book! Loved the characters! Looking for to the next one in the series!!
September 23, 2015
This book has lots of great action and good dialogue but the stories time line is long and I kept skipping pages to get to the end.
May 28, 2014
I enjoyed the first half of the book, but by the middle it lost momentum. Just not terribly interested in reading on any further. Abandoned at 53%.
July 3, 2014
I love Annette Blair's books. They are always good!
July 3, 2014
I love Annette Blair's books. They are always good!
September 29, 2015
Love tale
I love a great love story. I was hoping for a certain thought I had to come true and it did.
I love a great love story. I was hoping for a certain thought I had to come true and it did.
March 16, 2016
I think I'm done with this author. The last couple of books I've read have been terrible.
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July 15, 2016These b00ks may all have the same blueprint, but they hold my attention! Good summer reading!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews