Member Reviews
Kelly Bowen's writing is excellent and The Devil's of Dover series is her best so far: there's mystery, the characters are sparking, the steam is just enough, I loved it all. I was looking forward to King's story and I wasn't disappointed, it was delightful, all be it a bit short. I can't wait for the next one, highly recommend!
A really good historical romance novella set in London in 1820. It's beautifully written, with a slow burn romance that is well balanced - even though the story unfolds over a couple of days. Adeline was born in France and is a thief, a spy, expert at wielding knives, swords, fighting, etc. Our hero, King, is an underground figure, very powerful with lots of contacts and money. They join together to revenge the murder of King's childhood friend.
There's drama, suspense and an interesting back story. This is part of a series, but it stands alone re the HEA and the main story, although there could be spoilers from the previous books.in some of the conversations between King and his friends. (I haven't read the others, but have them on my 'to read' list). Characters from those books make an appearance in this novella. The historical details are good, but there is a modern feel to the story re dialogue and action. I enjoyed it and read it in one sitting. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in return for my opinion. ❤
I love every book I have read by Kelly Bowen. She is a must-read for me. I loved that we finally have King's story. Adeline is the perfect woman for King. As I have come to expect from Kelly's writing, the story is exceptional. You get witty repartee, heart-stopping danger, and a lovely HAE. I highly recommend all of Kelly's books!!
An intense steamy romance novella. Though part of a series, King and Adeline’s story can be read as a standalone.
King and Adeline were a perfect match for each other. I enjoyed reading their interactions and the chemistry between them was sizzling.
I loved Kelly Bowen’s storytelling and would have loved to read a longer version instead of just a novella.
Thank you for letting me read and review this book. 'Unfortunately this was not for me. I will give the author another try with another book.
I love Kelly Bowen’s historical romance and this was no exception! This was such a great addition to the series. I hadn’t read all the full length novels in the series when I read this, but I plan to reread it once I’ve finished. I loved the characters in this so much, the heroine was especially awesome! 4.5 stars
King is a powerful boss in the underworld of London feared by those of nobility (many of whom he has in his back pocket as he has collected favors from them) as well as commoners. His origins are mysterious, and he is only known by the moniker "King." When he comes across Adrestia holding her own against several would-be attackers in the stews, he is intrigued by both her abilities and her own mystery. Adrestia seeks justice for those who cannot do so themselves; in this case, she is looking for an item that King possesses. But will she be able to negotiate with this enigmatic man to get what she wants? And, if so, what will she have to trade in return? Overall, a quick-reading novella with some action, adventure, and steam!
Vengeance is the name of the game when it comes to King. Discovering the fact that someone who ad him is back, King formulates a plan to ruin the man. Running into Adeline Archambault throws a kink in his plans. She was stripped of something that means everything to her and she will do whatever she can to get it back.
It doesn't take long for King and Adeline to realize that they are at cross purposes. What is more they have a spark, a zing, that neither of them can avoid. Can they possibly work together to achieve their goals? Can they walk away once this is done?
Night of the Scoundrel is a novella in a the enjoyable Devils of Dover series by Kelly Bowen. The first three books are A Duke in the Night, Last Night With the Earl and A Rogue by Night.
Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
This novella works well as a standalone, which is good because I hadn't read any of the other books in the series. I love that Adeline is an assassin - making her a formidable love interest or King. The plot moves quickly and the sexy times are hot but King's vulnerability and trust in Adeline really pulls the reader in, making you want the central couple to find their HEA. Suspense, heat, emotional depth and an excellent plot make this historical novella a worthwhile read.
ARC Provided by NetGalley
King is the perfect bad boy hero. I adored him and loved this book. I stayed up way past my bedtime because I couldn't stop turning the pages. Such a great story!
Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
I haven't read the other books in this series, so I felt like I was missing out on some back story. While the characters were engaging like most novellas, this book suffered for its length. I feel there was more that could have been explored between these two characters and because of this, I gave it a lower rating.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A great novella. I really enjoy Kelly Bowen's books. King and Adeline are good together. I like that Adeline is like a Ninja 😁
All I can say is WOW! King has long been a mysterious and unusual character in Kelly Bowen’s novels. He finally meets his match as we get to find out who he is and what makes him tick. There have been hints before, but this is beyond anything I could have imagined!
King is enthralled with Adeline from the moment he sees her, and his captivation continues. We get to see the real King as his demons slowly unfold.
Adeline is his equal in every way. They both feel the connection immediately. Adeline is as much a survivor as King. Not sure who has had the worst life, but in that they may be just as equal.
When King’s personal demon suddenly surfaces, he and Adeline join. Loved this book! It is not exactly light-hearted reading but brings the justice that is needed for King to live on the outside as he has been in secret.
A lusciously steamy romance novella perfect for a library's eBook collection. Fans and new readers of Kelly Bowen will enjoy this historical.
We finally got the story we all have been waiting for ❤❤❤ it
Kelly Bowen is one of my favorite historical romance authors
First time reading Kelly Bowen and she did not disappoint! This novella about revenge and redemption was a great read. The characters were had a lot of depth and believability. I am going to go back and read the other books in The Devils of Dover series.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
I'm probably one of the few coming into this novella without having read all of the previous entries where King shows up as a secondary character, but no matter, it reads well as a standalone and learning about his past and how it made him the man he is today makes for a compelling story! A man like King, scion of London's Underworld who is a major player in both high and low society needs a strong partner and female assassin Adeline, a woman longing for justice and determined to do anything to get it definitely fits the part. There are some sexy scenes between these two as Adeline convinces King to help her in her quest, and the plot moves swiftly, uncovering surprising revelations along the way. But mostly, I loved how King is able to trust Adeline with his darkest secrets (and they are quite dark and devastating- it's amazing how he was able to turn his life around). Revenge is sweet, and the happy ending these two eventually get is thoroughly satisfying. Intrigue, sex, romance, strong emotions and an enjoyable page turning plot make this an excellent historical romance novella.
Ms. Bowen knows how to write Historical Romance at its finest! I loved the story of King and Adeline. The reader could feel the chemistry between the two characters. I couldn't put this book down.
I know a lot of people were upset that King only got a novella instead of a full novel but I really enjoyed it . The book is a quick read giving you everything you want without beating the character to death or dragging out conflict.
However I would adore a novella or two about King and Adeline as they worked together to secure some valuable piece of art or bring justice to one of her clients.
I love this series and highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. Night of the Scoundrel finally gives readers King's story. King has appeared in several previous titles and I think readers will enjoy this title more if they read previous books to get the full picture of King. King is known for being the someone who can get the wealthy whatever they want, including art and jewels. Adeline helps people who have been wrong obtain a measure of justice; sometimes this means recovering lost items, but sometimes it can also mean destroying a reputation or something else. The two meet while Adeline is fighting off several attackers in an alley. More than able to hold her own, King is intrigued enough by the mysterious woman to make inquiries. The two meet again when Adeline sneaks into one of his art auctions to recover an object for a client. More than impressed, King decides to obtain her services to help him obtain vehemence when a face that haunts his nightmares makes an unexpected appearance.
Once again, Ms. Bowen has put together a well written and engaging story, this time finally allowing readers to get to see the man behind the mystery that has been King. He is just as complex as readers expected. Adeline is perfect for King; she's sympathetic when he needs it, but also understands the realities of life and what he had to do to survive. My only quibble with this book is that I wish King could have gotten a full length book instead of a novella so we could have watched the romance develop more. I can't wait to see what Ms. Bowen writes next.