WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS

Author: Carrie Lofty ISBN: 9781420104752 12/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: KENSINTON/ZEBRA
Time Period: Medieval, England 1199

A Passionate Lover... A swordsman for the Sheriff of Nottingham, Will Scarlet has finally emerged from his famous uncle's shadow. But when he's unwittingly drawn into a bloody battle between the Sheriff and a nobleman, it's impossible to tell friend from foe. A woman's screams lead Will straight into the carnage to save her—but the ravishing young lady is not the helpless maid she appears to be… An Amorous Lady... Meg of Keyworth lost her sight to illness years ago, but that hasn't stopped her mission to save her imprisoned sister, who's been arrested by none other than Will Scarlet. Meg wants to hate Will for betraying her family, but he sparks heated desire in her heart—a desire that only he can satisfy. Meg is lovely and loving, and bedding her is sensual bliss. To please her in every way is what he wants most, for Will knows he will cherish her forever....

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I'd never given much thought to Robin Hood's relations before now, but after reading WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS I can't help but wonder how many more intriguing branches were in the famous hero's family tree.

Will Scarlet is Robin Hood's nephew. A man who knows how to wield a sword and defend what he believes to be true, he holds nothing back—neither in love nor war. He is dashing and handsome and all that a true hero should be. When he meets Meg, blind as a result of meningitis, any thought that he is his own man, taking what he wants whenever it suits him, vanishes. He loses himself to the woman, but at what cost? She harbors a hatred that may be too much for their new, tenuous relationship to bear.

I enjoyed the fact that Meg, although blind, was not dependent or needy. She is smart and quick-witted, always a step ahead of whatever is thrown her way. Her ingenuity is rivaled by her knowledge of chemistry, something I found particularly interesting. Gunpowder, healing, false gems, Meg mastered every one of these things and used them as she saw fit.

Too, the sizzle factor in this story is outstanding. The attraction, and lovemaking, between Will and Meg is both heart-wrenching and downright sexy. They come together so completely that the reader knows the carnal nature of their relationship is only the tip of the iceberg. There are layers to this couple that enhance their enthusiastic coupling.

There wasn't anything about WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS that I didn't enjoy. From beginning to end, this story held my interest. As I said, I sincerely hope there are more stories along this line from this very talented author.

Kay James