Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as An Affair to Remember
Review: Actually, it wavers between 3-4 stars, depending on the exact part of the book. However, the humor and romance cause me to give it 4 stars.I liked Brandon St. John very much, but wasn't as crazy about Verena. Although spirited and witty, something about her just seemed conniving and untrustworthy. The blackmail scheme was rather odd at times, and not wholly convincing. Neither was Verena's family situation. On the other hand, wit abounds and there are significant sparks between the protagonists. The scene where Brandon has lost his voice may be my favorite in the book; the previous one when he's soaking wet is also quite good. The love scenes explode with passion. Verena's butler is a hoot. And Roger is one h*** of an actor. A good book and part of a splendid series, but not my favorite of the group.
Rating: 
Summary: This series keeps getting better...
Review: As this series goes on, the stories keep getting better. The story line is interesting and the characters are well developed. The humor, and there is plenty of it, is an added bonus!
Rating:
Summary: This series keeps getting better...
Review: As this series goes on, the stories keep getting better. The story line is interesting and the characters are well developed. The humor, and there is plenty of it, is an added bonus!
Rating: 
Summary: 3 1/2 stars - Who's the scoundrel here - Verena?
Review: At the close of An Affair to Remember an unhappy Brandon St John discovers the dreaded Talisman ring in his piece of wedding cake nearly breaking a tooth! The holder of the ring is destined to meet his true love, but Brandon doesn't believe in such legends. All the same, he'll palm it off on one of his brothers if the opportunity presents itself! It seems like bad luck is all the ring has brought him when his brothers give him the unpleasant task of buying off Chase's latest paramour, worried the gold-digger will trap Chase into marriage. Family head Marcus warns Brandon that "Lady Westforth is not a milquetoast female . . . I advise you to approach her carefully". Truer words were never spoken! Widowed Lady Verena Westforth has been relegated to the very fringe of society by her vengeful father-in-law. He never approved of her - her parents are charlatans for heaven's sake! - believes her responsible for his son's death and has done his best to ruin her reputation in polite society. And so, she exists in the demimonde supporting herself by some low-key card sharping in gaming hells. But she's no man's mistress and, unbeknownst to Brandon, has already let Chase down easy and sent him on his way. But that does not stop her from having a little fun at the overbearing Brandon's expense. Soon all of society is giggling behind his back - intolerable! And when Verena's brother is blackmailed, Brandon's friend's freedom is threatened and the solution to both is finding a list of British agents abroad, are Verena and Brandon adversaries or allies? One thing is certainly clear - they are extremely attracted to one another! So why only 3 1/2 stars? SEMI-SPOILERS! Well, first, why would Brandon stick his neck out for a school chum who sounded more like an acquaintance? And while there's plenty of lust and even camaraderie between Brandon and Verena, I didn't feel like they were in love. No love is declared until the last chapter when he is suddenly, out of the blue, planning a wedding! And lastly, the whole blackmail scheme seemed ridiculously convoluted to me. I guess I'm being picky, but I gave An Affair to Remember 4 stars and, though I enjoyed this book, it's not as good as that one in my opinion and I just could not rate them the same. Still, all in all, an enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: 3 1/2 stars - Who's the scoundrel here - Verena?
Review: At the close of An Affair to Remember an unhappy Brandon St John discovers the dreaded Talisman ring in his piece of wedding cake nearly breaking a tooth! The holder of the ring is destined to meet his true love, but Brandon doesn't believe in such legends. All the same, he'll palm it off on one of his brothers if the opportunity presents itself! It seems like bad luck is all the ring has brought him when his brothers give him the unpleasant task of buying off Chase's latest paramour, worried the gold-digger will trap Chase into marriage. Family head Marcus warns Brandon that "Lady Westforth is not a milquetoast female . . . I advise you to approach her carefully". Truer words were never spoken! Widowed Lady Verena Westforth has been relegated to the very fringe of society by her vengeful father-in-law. He never approved of her - her parents are charlatans for heaven's sake! - believes her responsible for his son's death and has done his best to ruin her reputation in polite society. And so, she exists in the demimonde supporting herself by some low-key card sharping in gaming hells. But she's no man's mistress and, unbeknownst to Brandon, has already let Chase down easy and sent him on his way. But that does not stop her from having a little fun at the overbearing Brandon's expense. Soon all of society is giggling behind his back - intolerable! And when Verena's brother is blackmailed, Brandon's friend's freedom is threatened and the solution to both is finding a list of British agents abroad, are Verena and Brandon adversaries or allies? One thing is certainly clear - they are extremely attracted to one another! So why only 3 1/2 stars? SEMI-SPOILERS! Well, first, why would Brandon stick his neck out for a school chum who sounded more like an acquaintance? And while there's plenty of lust and even camaraderie between Brandon and Verena, I didn't feel like they were in love. No love is declared until the last chapter when he is suddenly, out of the blue, planning a wedding! And lastly, the whole blackmail scheme seemed ridiculously convoluted to me. I guess I'm being picky, but I gave An Affair to Remember 4 stars and, though I enjoyed this book, it's not as good as that one in my opinion and I just could not rate them the same. Still, all in all, an enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: Another winner
Review: Beloved romance author Karen Hawkins updates her Talisman Ring series with yet another delightful entry on the notorious St. Johns. The wedding bliss that spread to Anna Thraxton and Anthony St. John in An Affair To Remember continues with the irrepressible sensual rake Brandon St. John finding himself hopelessly addicted to enigmatic widow Verena Westworth, a bohemian at heart and a shrewd cardplayer. Brandon never expects her to mock at a monetary bribe to leave his brother alone and he is determined to even the score until a treasonous scheme puts Verena in danger and summons his protective instincts. This scintillating romance with fiery sparks and memorable side characters like Verena's larcenous butler Herbert and Chase St. John is well-paced with mystery and adventure. As with every romance, the barrier to their love is the distinction of their classes and Verena's charlatan of a family gets a nice satsifying resolution from Hawkins. Karen Hawkins just gets better with each progressing story and this is no doubt an assured winner.
Rating:
Summary: Great story,
Review: But doesn't the St. John brothers sound a lot like those from Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series? If you don't believe me, check it out yourself: From the St John's, we have Anthony, Brandon, Chase, Devon. From the Bridgerton's, we have,Anthony, Benedict, Colin,Daphne, Eloise... See the connection? But other than this little coincidence, this book definitely deserves 5 stars. This is the story of Brandon St. John who currently holds the St John talisman ring. It is believed that whoever possesses the ring would find his or her true love, in this case, in the form of Verena Westforth, a beautiful widow whom Brand believed, is somehow connected to a murder case. 'Confessions of a Scoundrel' has everything a good romance novel should have: A hot,handsome heroe, a heroine who is witty and intelligent, sizzling love scenes and as a bonus, a little mystery thrown in as well. This is an excellent book, and like so many of you out there, I just can't wait for Chase's story either, now that the ring is in his hands!
Rating:
Summary: Different kind of historical romance
Review: I have read historical romances for many years and it has been a while since I have come across one of the caliber of Confessions of a Scoundrel. After starting this book I found myself unable to put it down. What makes this book so special is the brazen nature of the heroine, something that, in my opinion, is often glossed over in other novles. Verena is definitely not your average women, which is perfect for the not so average Brandon St. John. Their chemistry is electrifying-taking traditional sex scenes and turning them into scenes in which you can almost feel the passion and mutual undeclared love. Take a chance on this book and I promise you will not be let down.
Also, I reccommend reading An Affair to Remember just so you know the background of the talisman ring, but it is not necessary.
Rating:
Summary: Can't wait for the next one!!
Review: I loved this book!! I love these brothers. I can't wait for Chase's story. I can't wait to find out what Chase's demons are.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Enthralling
Review: I read this book in a matter of days. This is the type of book that you don't want to put down. I usually can predict the villian in most books but this kept me guessing until the end. It was definately a page turner. I would certainly recommend this to read to anyone who loves historical romances.
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