Once a Scoundrel

3.5 Stars The son of a proud naval dynasty, Gabriel Hawkins Vance was born to command the sea, until he leaves the Royal Navy in disgrace at the age of eighteen and is disowned by his family. As captain of his own ship The Zephyr, he’s earned his living in ways both legal and illegal, and his experience makes him the best choice to ransom an aristocratic beauty captured by Barbary pirates. Having avoided the traps of convention and marriage, Lady Aurora Lawrence is horrified by the prospect of spending her life as a harem slave. Her only hope of escape is a quiet, steely captain who has a history with her captor. Together they undertake a dangerous mission through troubled waters. This is the third book in the series but could easily be read on its own. I’ve read nearly all the author's books & she's one of my must read authors, I was looking forward to reading Gabriel’s story but I was a little disappointed as in my view it wasn't as good as her usual books. I enjoyed the story of captured English ladies being rescued & then the mission to rescue Malek's family, the pace was good & although some parts seemed rushed, the time spent in Constantinople flowed really well. The characters were well portrayed, I liked Gabriel, Constance, Jason & even Malek however I didn’t like Rory at all. I would have left her in the harem! She was far too brash, so much so that she grated on me & spoiled my overall enjoyment of the book. My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Once A Scoundrel is a captivating historical fiction novel, well-crafted with adventure, romance, and pirates. Gabriel Vance came from a long line of Royal Navy men and used to be the favorite grandson of a well-known military hero. But, Gabriel’s action in the heat of a battle resulted in a dishonorable discharge and a royal shunning from his grandfather. Gabriel’s grandmother couldn’t treat her grandson as her husband did. So, to continue corresponding with his beloved grandmother, Gabriel changed his name to Gabriel Hawkins. Gabriel hesitated when asked to save Lady Aurora and her cousin, from a kidnapper. His own memories of being a slave were still fresh. But after seeing Lady Aurora’s picture, Gabriel couldn’t just sit back and not try to rescue her. Lady Aurora and Constance were mentally preparing themselves for months of slavery when Gabriel Hawkins showed up on the scene. Lady Aurora was surprised to find that her rescuer Gabriel, and kidnapper, Malek Reis were acquainted with one another. Gabriel was bargaining for Lady Aurora and her cousin’s freedom, when Malek accepted Gabriel’s price, under one condition. That condition, however, would bring Lady Aurora, Constance, Gabriel and his crew into more danger than she could have ever imagined. The one thing Lady Aurora knew for sure was that she was falling for the handsome sea captain and rescuer, Gabriel Hawkins. Gabriel knew that showing Lady Aurora affection would get them both punished and possibly killed, but staying away from her was becoming more and more difficult. Once a Scoundrel is a riveting read and one that I stayed up into the night to finish. If you enjoy historical fiction romance and a bit of adventure this book is for you. Thank you, Kensington Books and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

A delightful story that takes the reader far and wide! Lady Aurora Lawrence has been captured by pirates and is being held as a slave. Her frantic mother contacts Gabriel, Lord Kirkwood, to try to rescue her. Gabriel had been captured by the Barbary Pirates once himself and agrees to find her. But with shock he recognizes the pirate holding Rory is the same one that held him years ago. Demanding a large sum of money for her rescue or she will be sold in an auction, Gabriel realizes the pirate needs money badly. Of course as Gabriel and Rory meet, there is definitely and attraction. This adventure takes them on a journey to far lands in Turkey and things do not seem to turn out well. Can He get her out of this situation and can they make it back home? A good story that is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. Prepare yourself for a fast paced journey that will have you turning the pages as fast as you can!