The Scoundrel

This was a very interesting story of intrigue, lust and courage. The theft of a religious artefact has broken the good fortunes of the medieval keep of Inverfyre, and it's up to a young woman to try to get it back. Through many twists and turns in the storyline, we follow our two thieving protagonists as they attempt to untangle the mystery at the centre of the castle's woes. A strong heroine and a slightly unscrupulous hero engage in many daring deeds (including rock-climbing) to get to the bottom of things and bring the falcons back to Inverfyre, once it turns out that the religious artefact wasn't the source of their misfortunes after all. A really gripping story and a lot of action (as well as romance) made this a very good read, and I'd happily recommend it to Delacroix fans and medieval romance fans alike.

Setting, 1371 Scotland ---- In THE SCOUNDREL, the second book in the Ravensmuir series, Gawain Lammergeier has stolen from his brother Merlyn?s keep the legendary Titulus Croce. Gawain feels that this is his due from a father who was to me the real scoundrel! Stopping for the night in an inn Gawain is approached by a stunningly beautiful whore who boldly set her sights on him acting as if she was there just waiting for his arrival. Gawain, being the scoundrel and thief that he was noted for, went along with her and they had a truly memorable night of bed sport made more memorable in the morning once he awakened and found the Titulus Croce gone! The stunningly beautiful whore, turned out to be the Lady Elspeth?s daughter, Lady Evangeline of Inverfyre. Elspeth on her dying bed informed Evangeline that her father had died from a fit of apoplexy when after the theft of the legendary icon, the thieves offered to sell it back to him at an exorbitant price. Evangeline vowed to make it right, remembering from childhood the golden-haired thief whom she had once suffered a crush over. On her way to Ravensmuir to steal it back, it was by chance that she recognized Gawain entering the inn so she seized the moment and seduced him. The story is so lively after that with Gawain ? who truly is a scoundrel (though charmingly so) himself - going boldly back again, and again, to steal it back from her. In some instances it was quite comical as these two matched wits against each other, even against the backdrop of some truly treacherous acts going on. Claire Delacroix provides a truly imaginative tale that her legion of fans should truly appreciate in this second installment in the Ravensmuir series! Having read the third and first installments already, I can testify to the fact that these all stand-alone and are surely worth the effort of locating and enjoying both the sensual delights and wonderfully witty dialogs of this series.

In 1371 THE SCOUNDREL Gawain Lammergeier offers for sale what his father stole years ago from its locale in Inverfyre, Scotland, the Titulus Croce. Lady Elspeth near death informs her daughter Evangeline that her father died over the theft and that the legendary icon will affirm her unborn grandson's rightful place and bring prosperity to the area. Evangeline vows to make it right.Evangeline catches up to Gawain and seduces him, but when he awakens the next morning the Titulus Croce is gone. Angry that he was duped by sex, albeit the best he ever had, Gawain goes after the female scoundrel who stole his prize possession. Gawain catches up to her and so begins a contest of wits and some physical interplay between two obstinate individuals who fail to see that Aphrodite may have solved the issue of ownership as love has entered the battle.Fans of fourteenth century Scottish romances will enjoy the battle of sexes due to the lead characters, both heroic and rogues in their own ways. The prime plot is clever and the war of words fun, however the rotating chapters first person narrative seems to slow down the action even as it enables the audience to better understand the principal protagonists. Claire Delacroix provides an engaging whimsical tale that an appreciative audience will cherish.Harriet Klausner