Search - Scoundrel

Jackpot! What a surprise this book was to me. I have been sitting on it for a year- even though it was recommended as being wonderful- because how good can a book named "Scoundrel" really be. Plus, this isn't my favorite time period, usually not a lot of action and just some witty dialog-- well I was wrong. Scoundrel has it all, great story, lovable and well developed characters, believable mystery, and humor.
Lily is a genius, a spy, and deciphers codes for the government, but she disguises herself as an airhead and a typical debutante of the ton. Lily has been attracted to Miles from afar for awhile. She sees him at a ball and her dream comes true because he introduces himself and proceeds to ask her for a dance. She is in heaven and speechless and then realizes he has an ulterior motive, and then... she calls him on it-- way to go Lily! He doesn't deny and her ideal man's persona is shattered.

This is where the story starts getting good and doesn't let up until the end. The intrigue and mystery are introduced and slowly Miles sees glimpses of the real Lily- he calls her his " Fierce Tiger Lily" and the romance begins. The banter between Lily and Miles is fabulous and funny, he can never reason with her because she is too smart and clever for him. He tries to give her rules, she breaks everyone. They get caught in compromising situations and she creates such ingenious farfetched stories that nobody questions. Definitely one of the best heroines I have read in awhile. Miles is a scoundrel, but not an extreme one. He is very honest, he tells Lily he used her to break his engagement, that he doesn't love her just feels affection and friendship , and he will never marry again. Yeah right, well his arrogant bubble is about to burst!

Still my favorite part of the whole story is the love connection between Miles and Lily. You can feel the sexual tension and the devastation Lily feels as Miles tries to fight it. There is only a few love scenes, but they are so beautiful and tender. The first time when they get close to "doing it" your heart beats for them. The description of the few scenes are so exquisite and breathtaking I wished there were more. But the best is after Miles takes the first plunge and rids Lily of her virginity, the very inexperience Lily proclaims "Is that it!" PERFECT response to a scoundrel!

In the age of knights and ladies when power could be seized simply by marrying the lady of a vast estate. One of 3 in a series written by this author. Great historical with moments of hilarity and moments of touching pathos. I loved the book and highly recommend to all.

This book was bought new in 1996 and has been kept in great condition. PM me with any questions. No tears or water damage. No writings on pages or torn cover. Spine will show a bit of creasing as I have read this book several times over the years. I keep all of my books in a smoke free home and take good care of them.

one of my favorite books